Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, recently declared the launch of the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), a transformative initiative supported by the World Bank, aimed at providing affordable solar energy to thousands of families across the province.
Syed Nasir Shah shared in the meeting conducted at Shahbaz Hall that in the first phase of the project, 200,000 families would be given solar system kits. Furthermore, 500,000 families will be awarded the solar kits in its next phase.
The minister explained that the SSEP comprises over seven components and includes plans to offer solar system loans for families with higher energy consumption. The project also ensures that houses being reconstructed in collaboration with the World Bank after the devastating floods and heavy rains will include solar system kits.
Initially, the Sindh government will provide Solar System Home Kits to approximately 200,000 households. Each kit will include a solar panel, three light bulbs, a fan, and a battery, with a nominal fee of Rs6,000. These kits will be distributed to families eligible under the Benazir Income Support Programme, ensuring support reaches the most deserving households.
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To oversee fair distribution, a two-tier monitoring system will be implemented. At the union council level, committees led by UC chairmen will manage distribution, while at the district level, committees comprising deputy commissioners, PPP leaders, UC chairmen, and NGO representatives will oversee the process.
Former senator Aajiz Dhamrah has been appointed as the focal person for Hyderabad division regarding the solar project. The minister also highlighted that the World Bank is constructing 2.1 million houses for flood-affected individuals in Sindh. He assured that PPP leaders and workers would monitor the initiative to ensure timely completion.
The main agenda of this solar initiative is to fulfill the electricity needs of off-grid areas, such as remote desert and other regions with mountains. Until now, more than 350,000 houses have been constructed, and work on an additional 800,000 residences is under the process. Surveys have been conducted to identify further areas where new houses will be built.
The project’s implementation will be supported by NGOs and monitored through a district-level committee. A mobile application is also set to be launched to streamline the distribution process and collect real-time data.
Hyderabad Commissioner Bilal Ahmad Memon emphasized the importance of efficiency and fairness in the distribution of solar kits.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including MNA Rafique Jamali, MPAs Ismail Rahu, Malik Sikandar Jr, Tanzeela Qambrani, Kulsoom Chandio, Mukesh Kumar Chawla, district commissioners, PPP leaders, and representatives of NGOs.
This solar energy project is seen as a crucial step towards providing affordable and sustainable electricity while improving the lives of over 700,000 families in Sindh.