CM Balochistan Sardar Sarfaraz Bugti Launches Home Solar System Project, Lauds Collaboration with China
Quetta:Balochistan Chief Minister, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, announced that the provision of home solar systems in the province marks a significant milestone for the people of Balochistan. Addressing a ceremony in Quetta on Wednesday, he highlighted the provincial government’s commitment to fulfilling energy needs through alternative energy projects.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for supplying home solar systems under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which would help alleviate the problems faced by the local population. He explained that these solar systems had been sitting unused in warehouses for months, but the current government ensured their transparent distribution and affordable installation.
Mir Sarfaraz Bugti acknowledged the efforts of Parliamentary Secretary for Energy, Chief Secretary, and Secretary for Energy for their dedication to the project. He further shared that an initial allocation of Rs 350-400 million had been made for this initiative, but due to effective planning, the project is being completed with a cost-saving of Rs 120-130 million.
He stressed the importance of prioritizing the people of Gwadar, the central city of CPEC, and directed that at least 5,000 households in Gwadar be provided with solar systems, ensuring that the people there understand that CPEC was created for their benefit and development.
The Chief Minister also announced plans to set up upgrade stations through the provincial development budget to provide electricity to areas without traditional grid stations. Pilot projects will be launched in Nokkundi, Bela, Sui, Sherani, and Mashkel, with the intention of expanding the program to other districts.
Addressing the inefficiencies of the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO), the CM described the company as a “white elephant” due to its poor performance, excessive line losses, and rampant corruption, which have exacerbated the issues faced by the public.
Regarding the Agricultural Solarization Project, CM Bugti revealed that the Balochistan government, in collaboration with the federal government, has launched a mega project worth Rs 50 billion to help farmers transition to solar-powered irrigation. However, delays caused by QESCO’s slow progress may prompt the Balochistan government to intervene and complete the solar system installations for farmers directly. He emphasized that farmers are keen to move away from QESCO and switch to solar systems for their tube wells.
The CM assured that the government is taking all necessary steps to expedite this project to boost agriculture and the economy of Balochistan. He further pledged that all public welfare projects would be completed swiftly and transparently, ensuring no undeserving individual benefits from the solar systems.
In closing, the Chief Minister expressed his gratitude for the close collaboration between the Chinese government and the provincial government, particularly appreciating the contributions of the Chairman of the Friends of China Forum, Baizid Khan Kasi.
Earlier, Parliamentary Secretary for Energy, Mir Asghar Rind, and the Additional Secretary of the Energy Department also shared their thoughts on the Home Solar System Program at the ceremony.
