The project, established at a cost of RO45 million, has a production capacity of 285 megawatt. The chief guest unveiled the plaque and toured the control room and other utilities of the plant. He said he was honoured to preside over the ceremony and cited the plant as one of the major national projects achieved by the government during the prosperous reign of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Sayyid Shabib said the wise policy established by His Majesty's government aimed at allocating development projects to all regions of the Sultanate. "Today, we are witnessing the fruits of such a policy in this part of our beloved country. The project we are inaugurating today is evidence of the great and continuous efforts exerted by the government for the completion of infrastructure projects in our country for the benefit of every citizen throughout Oman. "All regions of the Sultanate should be provided with efficient services in order to cope with the march of civilisation and progress in which our country has covered a long distance in such a short span," he observed. Sayyid Shabib concluded by congratulating the agencies in charge of the project for their great accomplishment. In an opening address, Eng. Abdullah bin Ali bin Dauod, electricity and water undersecretary at the Ministry of Housing, Electricity and Water, said the efforts extended by the government during the past years of the renaissance era led by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said covered all parts of the Sultanate. As part of its endeavour to diversify resources of national income, the government urged the private sector to set up development projects including power plants, he added. He pointed out that Al Kamil power plant consists of three gas-operated turbines with a capacity of 285 megawatts and is meant to replace diesel plants in the wilayats of Sur, Al Kamil Wal Wafi, Bilad Bani Bu Hassan, Al Mudharib and Al Mudhaibi to improve the efficiency of electricity supply and reduce operational cost and maintain a clean environment. He said the electricity unit in this plant will enter the unified power grid as it is linked to Al Ghubrah, Al Rusayl, Wadi Al Jezze, Manah and Barka power plants. The CEO of Al Kamil Power Company said the Sultanate's government has signed two complimentary agreements with the company, to purchase energy and supply natural gas. Sayyid Saud bin Ibrahim Al Busaidi, interior minister, said the new plant will continuously provide citizens with electricity, particularly during summer. Sheikh Suhail bin Mustahil Shimas, minister of housing, electricity and water, said this important project will supply citizens in the Sharqiyah region with environment-friendly electricity. On the power link with the UAE, the minister said this project will be completed by 2005. Dr Ali bin Hamad Al Ghafri, director-general of electricity affairs, said the electricity coverage in the Sultanate is 98 per cent now and it covered all inhabited parts of the Sultanate. He said there is a plan to establish another plant in the wilayat of Sohar with a capacity of 500 megawatt to meet the increasing demands for electricity. On privatising the power sector, he said the government is now finalising a study to that end. Sheikh Khalid bin Saud Al Yaqoubi, wali of Al Kamil Wal Wafi, said the wilayat was proud to host such an important project, which will contribute to boosting economic, trade and tourism movement. P.I.N//MENAFN