HYDERABAD: Sindh Minist­er for Energy, Planning and Development Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has said that Sindh government has launched Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) with the support of World Bank to provide affordable solar energy to 200,000 families.

As many as 500,000 more families would be provided the solar system kits in the second phase of the project, said the minister while chairing a meeting at Shahbaz Hall on Thursday.

He said the project included more than seven components and under it the Sindh government would start solar system loan for families, who consumed more units.

He said that houses being constructed with the support of WB after floods and heavy rains would include a solar system kit. The government would initially provide Sindh Solar System Home Kits to about 200,000 houses, which comprised a solar plate, three bulbs, a fan and a battery, he said.

He disclosed that a fee of merely Rs6,000 would be collected for the solar kit and the system would be delivered to deserving people at their doorsteps. The solar kits would be given to families who were eligible under Benazir Income Support Programme, he said.

He said that distribution of kits would be overseen by a committee headed by union council chairman at UC level, and another committee comprising deputy commissioner, party president, UC chairman and NGO officers at district level.

The minister said that former senator Aajiz Dhamrah was focal person for Hyderabad division regarding the solar project. The WB was running a project to construct 2.1m houses for flood-affected people in Sindh which would be monitored by party leaders and workers to ensure timely completion, he said.

He said the solar project was a significant step towards providing affordable electricity and it would hopefully benefit 0.7m families across the province. The project would provide solar system to off-grid areas including dwellers of deserts and mountains, he said.

He stated that 350,000 houses had already been built and work continued on 800,000 residences. A survey was conducted to identify areas for construction of more houses, he said.

He said the project was being implemented with the support of WB and NGOs. A committee would be notified at district level to ensure fair distribution of solar kits and a mobile application would be launched to collect data on distribution of the kits and improve the delivery process, he said.

Hyderabad Commissioner Bilal Ahmad Memon said that a committee would be notified to work efficiently and ensure fair distribution of solar kits.

The meeting was attended by MNA Rafique Jamali, MPA Ismail Rahu, MPA Malik Sikanadar Jr, Tanzeela Qam­brani, Kulsoom Chandio, Muke­sh Kumar Chawla, DCs of all districts of the division, PPP leaders and representatives of NGOs.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2025