UNHCR Hands Over 48 Solar-Powered Facilities Worth Rs1 Billion to Balochistan Government

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta):** The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (**UNHCR**) has handed over **48 solar-powered public facilities** worth approximately **Rs1 billion (USD 3.5 million)** to the **Government of Balochistan**, marking a significant step toward providing clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy to key public institutions across the province.

The solar facilities will supply uninterrupted power to **schools, universities, health centers, and technical training institutes**, particularly in districts hosting large numbers of refugees. The project was implemented during **2024–2025** with the support of international donors, including **Global Affairs Canada, Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the Netherlands**.

The initiative addresses long-standing challenges such as **unreliable grid electricity, frequent power outages, and the high operational costs of diesel generators**. Among the facilities benefiting from the project is the **Bolan Medical Complex**, supported through UNHCR’s private-sector partner **LONGi Green Energy Technology Co. Ltd.**

The formal handover ceremony was held at the **Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Quetta** and was attended by **Provincial Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Provincial Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, Health Secretary Mujeeb-ur-Rehman Panezai, Special Secretary Education Abdul Salam Achakzai**, along with senior government and UN officials. **UN Resident Coordinator Muhammad Yahya, UNHCR Representative in Pakistan Philippa Candler, and Head of UNHCR Quetta Office Tesfaye Bekele** were also present.

Addressing the ceremony, **Health Minister Bakht Muhammad Kakar** said the initiative was a major advancement in improving the **stability and quality of public services**. He noted that reliable solar energy would ensure uninterrupted electricity in health facilities and educational institutions, reduce dependence on the national grid, and significantly cut recurring energy costs, enabling institutions to deliver more consistent health and education services.

**Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani** said the solar-powered facilities would help enhance the **quality of education** and provide a **safe and modern learning environment** for students, calling the project a historic step toward sustained improvement in public services.

**UN Resident Coordinator Muhammad Yahya** praised the project’s impact and acknowledged Pakistan’s **45-year commitment to hosting Afghan refugees**, emphasizing the importance of harmony between refugee and host communities. **UNHCR Representative Philippa Candler** highlighted that reliable energy is essential for strengthening public institutions serving both refugees and host communities, reaffirming UNHCR’s commitment to dignity, protection, and shared service delivery.

The solar-powered facilities are expected to benefit **nearly two million people annually**, including **students, teachers, healthcare workers, patients, refugees, and members of host communities** across Balochistan.