The Alternative Energy Development Board (AEDB) has started implementing a project to electrify 100 remote villages of Sindh through renewable energy, it is learnt on Wednesday. Sources said the government had tasked the AEDB to provide electricity to 7,874 remote villages in Sindh and Balochistan, which were located 20-km away from the national grid.
The water and power ministry had identified these villages contending that Wapda was unable to provide power either because of distance or less density of population, they added.
Initially, 400 villages (about 30,000 houses), 300 in Balochistan and 100 in Sindh would be electrified. The photo voltaic (PV) solar panels will be used in providing single home systems to the villages on monthly charges of Rs 250.
Each village would also be provided with central water pumping and purification system for clean drinking water. Village mosques, schools and public buildings such as dispensaries would also receive the solar home systems.
The electrification of the 400 villages would require about Rs 1 billion. However, the allocation of funds is being provided in phases. Initially, Rs 100 million has been allocated in FY07 for 100 villages of Sindh where the work has been started, an additional Rs 680 million is expected in the current financial year for starting work in Balochistan concurrently.
When contacted, Mujahid Sadiq, DG (International Co-operation) said the AEDB has been striving to provide electricity to over 300 villages in Balochistan and 100 villages in Sindh through solar energy. The cost of this project is being met through Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP). He said the PC-I has been approved, while the funding is awaited initiating the project.
He said t the AEDB had provided electricity through its demonstration projects in all the provinces. The government has also selected people from village community and imparted them training to maintain the system, he added.
He said that technology was not difficult as electricity could be provided for 20-year through this system and regular maintenance was required.