Provision of home solar system for people important milestone: Govt. taking serious steps to meet energy needs thru alternative projects, says CM
Provision of home solar system for people important milestone: Govt. taking serious steps to meet energy needs thru alternative projects, says CM
Mir Sarfraz Bugti calls QESCO “white elephant; says corrupt practices at peak in Company; announces provincial government to complete solarization of agricultural tube wells at its own together with zamindars if delayed by QESCO
Independent Report
QUETTA: The Chief Minister Balochistan, Mir Sarfraz Bugti has stated that provision of the home solar system for people of the province is an important milestone.
He said that the provincial government is taking serious steps for meeting energy requirements through alternative energy projects.
The Chief Minister was addressing the inauguration ceremony of 15000 solar home systems, grant-in-aid through China International Development Cooperative Agency (CIDCA) and South-South Cooperation Addressing Climate Change by Republic of China for people of Balochistan, here at the CM’s secretariat on Wednesday afternoon. It was in collaboration with the Energy Department, Government of Balochistan.
Also present on the occasion were Provincial Ministers, members of the assembly, parliamentary secretaries, Chief Secretary, Shakeel Qadir Khan and other concerned high ups.
The Chief Minister on the occasion said that we are thankful to the Chinese government which provided home solar system for people of the province under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This would help resolve the public hardships, he added.
The Chief Minister said that these solar systems were stocked in godowns for several months, but the present government ensured their transparent distribution and installation at low cost.
He appreciated the endeavours of the Parliamentary Secretary Energy, Chief Secretary and Secretary Energy and mentioned that initially Rs. 350-400 million for the project.
However, the work is being completed from Rs. 120-130 million because of the effective planning, he noted with contentment adding that it saved substantial national exchequer.
The Chief Minister said that Gwadar is the key city of CPEC and as such the people of area should benefit from the project.
He directed to provide home solar facility to at least 5,000 families In Gwadar so that they feel that the CPEC was formed because of their sacrifices, and it is working for their welfare.
He said that the government of Balochistan is going to establish off grid stations in its development budget. Through these off grid stations, electricity would be provided in the areas where traditional grid stations don’t exit.
In this regard, pilot project would be started in Nokkundi, Buleda, Sui, Sherani and Mashkail, and then it would be expanded to other districts of the province, he added.
The Chief Minister on the occasion termed QESCO as “white elephant” and remarked that this company is adding to the miseries of people because of its poor performance.
He said that the line losses of QESCO are high while corrupt practices are also at its peak in it. Referring the solarization of agricultural tube wells for zamindars of the province, he said that the provincial government has started a mega project of Rs. 50 billion in collaboration with the federal government. The work is continued on the project at fast pace, however, delay is occurring at some places due to the slowness of QESCO.
He said that if QESCO didn’t take speedy measures then government would itself complete installation of solar systems together with zamindars.
He said that zamindars are willing to shift their tube wells on solar system. So the government would take every possible steps to speed up the project, he added.
He also announced to introduce more projects of energy for the general public in the province.
He directed to ensure transparent distribution of solar systems.
He on the occasion applauded the effective coordination and assistance of Chairman Friends of China Forum, Bayazid Kasi between the government of China and provincial government regarding the project.
