LOC21:24
18:24 GMT
KUWAIT, Aug 10 (KUNA) -- A senior government official said Tuesday the quarterly report over the development plan would be referred to the cabinet in its next meeting ahead of preparing the bi-annual report next October.
"The development plan is on track since it was approved by the parliament," Deputy Premier for Economic Affairs Sheikh Ahmad Fahad Al-Sabah told reporters on sidelines of a visit to Al-Sabbiya power station to follow up the execution of electricity and water projects.
Al-Sabah, also Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Housing, said he was assigned by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Sabah to visit Al-Sabbiya power station to monitor the work being done and remove any obstacles facing development in general.
He said the electricity and water projects were "extremely vital" to honor growing demands by development projects. Al-Sabah asserted importance of addressing any problems in providing electricity in Kuwait.
Al-Sabbiya power station is expected to be operational in June 2011, after installment of all gas turbines.
The plant constits of six gas reactors, four of which had arrived in the country.
Al-Sabah said the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) should place a plan to provide 6,300 megawatts and 350 milion imperial gallons of fresh water during the next four years.
He said MEW has been implementing qualitative projects in cooperation with the private sector, citing the North Al-Zour power station and upgrading the electricity network from 300 to 400 megewattts.
Minister of Electricity and Water Bader Al-Shuraiaan, who was accompanying Al-Sabah, said Al-Sabbiya power station would generate 1,300 megawatts next year coupled with 700 megawatts from other stations.
He said the ministry was keen on having environmental-friendly projects and to addressing gas emissions.
He said the ministry succeeded in benefiting from heat coming out of gas turbines to generate additional power, a method used for the first time in the Gulf region.
The MEW has signed 164 contracts valued KD 1.998 billion to honor the development plan.
The MEW plans to increase strategic water storage to four billion gallons. (end) zak.bs KUNA 102124 Aug 10NNNN