LAHORE: The phase-I of providing electricity to 389 villages of Lahore and Sahiwal divisions is likely to complete by the end of this month under the Prime Minister’s Programme for achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The phase-I of the project had been launched before June this year after the government transferred funds worth over Rs389 million to the Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco). Most of the villages being connected with electricity exist in Kasur and Okara districts of Lahore and Sahiwal divisions respectively and both fall within Lesco’s service area jurisdiction.

According to a document, of 154 Kasur villages, 65 have been provided with electricity through laying 11kV distribution line and installation of 25kV transformers.

They have also been connected with the respective 11kV rural feeders. Similarly, of 235 Okara (Sahiwal division) villages, 114 have been connected with the 11kV power distribution system.

“The company will meet the target of providing electricity to all villages (marked under phase-1) by Dec 31,” a senior Lesco official told Dawn on Monday.

Under phase-2 worth Rs312m of the plan, another 379 Lahore and Sahiwal divisions’ villages will be electrified. The phase-2 would start from Jan 1 and end on March 31.

“The third phase may also be launched since the government is likely to provide more funds in the near future. During the third phase, we may provide electricity to another 200 villages or so in both divisions,” the official added.

He said procurement for phase-II had already started. Similarly the manufacturers of various sorts of material - concrete poles, wires etc - were asked to expand their production so that the respective power distribution companies may be able to achieve the targets.

“Actually there are only 6/7 concrete pole manufacturers in the country, who are day and night busy manufacturing the material ordered by various Discos.

So if the manufacturers fail to provide us with material on time, we will order some other manufacturers to do so,” the official said.

Published in Dawn, December 12th, 2017