Karachi: The Cogen Power and Desalination Plant of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) was recommissioned at the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club on Thursday.
Nasim Khan, Defence Cogen Ltd (DCL) Managing Director (MD) and representative of Ashmore Energy International (AEI), informed the gathering that the damaged Cogen plant had been repaired and was producing water and electricity since August 21.
He said that the plant was in the testing and pre-commissioning mode, and that all tests, including vibration tests, were returning technically sound results. He said that the Cogen plant would start commercial functioning by the end of August.
Chief Guest Commander V Corps Lt-Gen Shahid Iqbal said that stakeholders concerned rose to the occasion, and resolved all technical, financial and administrative impediments in a professional and competent manner. He said that Phase-II of the project consists of a similar power and desalination plant, with a production capacity of 105 megawatts (MWs) of power and five million gallons (MGD) of water. Urging the DCL to ensure that Phase-II of the Cogen project takes off promptly and successfully, he said that the second phase was essential to meet the growing water and energy needs of the city. DHA Administrator Brig. Khalid Tirmizi described the recommissioning of the Cogen Plant as a “momentous event” and a “massive breakthrough” towards addressing the depleting energy needs and water scarcity problems of the metropolis. He thanked all stakeholders of Cogen project for their support; the KESC for providing the energy needed for energising the plant, the SSGC for restoring gas supply, Siemens for their cooperation in recommissioning the plant and the banks for providing the much-needed financial support to DCL.
He also thanked residents and residents` associations for their support, understanding and cooperation. Tirmizi also lauded the Role of the media for provided adequate coverage and highlighting the issue in a positive manner.
A large number of people, including the DCL MD, representatives of AEI, officials of KESC, SSGC, various banks, representatives of stakeholders from Turkey, Brazil and representatives of various residents associations attended the event.
