SIALKOT: The pace of construction work on Sialkot Tanneries Zone (STZ) project has been sped up and process of plot allotment will be started by the end of current month.
The STZ was being developed on 392 acres costing Rs406m and it was designed to accommodate shifting of 276 existing tanneries functioning in ten clusters around Sialkot.
The road infrastructure in the Zone had been completed. Sialkot is recognized as one of the leading exporters of leather products in Pakistan. Tanneries around the city are involved in processing of finished leather and “Wet Blue” hides, are degrading environment. Sources in Sialkot Chamber told APP on Sunday, the concept of setting up of STZ was to ensure pollution-free atmosphere to the people.
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) had also approved $ 3.7 million for the project “Mainstreaming Climate Change Adoption through Water Resource Management in Sialkot Tannery Zone Development”.
Under the project, the UNIDO has submitted its report to GEF after consultation with the stakeholders to seek funding under Technical Assistance Programme which would help in development of the project according to the international standard.
Conceptual design of Common Effluent Treatment Plan has also been finalized and its estimated cost will be Rs1.3 billion which will be contributed by the government and donor agencies on equal share basis, sources added.
