The government has started the process of selling two further power plants as part of its programme to privatise the existing power sector. The Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has invited offers to act as financial adviser for the sale of 26 per cent stakes in the plants, with management control Initial offers are due to be submitted by the end of September.

The power plants are located in Sind province. The Guddu power complex has a capacity of 1,655 MW and comprises steam units, gas combustion turbines and combined-cycle units The Lakhra plant is coal-fired and has two SO-MW steam units Both facilities feed into the national grid.

A Privatisation Commission official says that a financial adviser may be appointed by the end of October The official added that the sale of the plants is expected to take about nine months. Bidding for the 880-MW Jamshoro power station is due to take place in mid-October. Six groups are expected to bid (MEED 16:8:96)