Sindh Government Solar Energy Program to Provide Solar Panels to 500,000 Homes

Sukkur: The Sindh government is launching a solar energy program aimed at providing solar panels to 500,000 homes across the province. The announcement was made by Sindh’s Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah.
Speaking at a meeting in Sukkur, which focused on the People’s Housing and Solar Energy programs, Minister Shah directed the Deputy Commissioners of Sukkur, Ghotki, and Khairpur to collaborate with the Sindh Rural Support Organization (SRSO) and the non-governmental organization HANDS to lead the initiative.
The minister emphasized that vulnerable communities, such as flood victims, may not have the ability to file complaints or register FIRs. He also highlighted that the rebuilding of homes for flood-affected families is a priority for Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Shah pointed out that while other provinces were also affected by the floods, home reconstruction efforts had only begun in Sindh, in line with Chairman Bhutto Zardari’s directives.
Shah assured that funds for the program were not an issue, but delays had occurred due to challenges in opening bank accounts for flood victims. However, he confirmed that the provincial government had already released its share of funds for the first year, with donor agencies also providing support.
The energy minister further instructed the deputy commissioners to ensure that land ownership rights for women were granted without any delay or obstruction.
Regarding the solar energy program, Shah announced that it would launch next month. He revealed that data for 200,000 homes had already been collected through the Benazir Income Support Program. This solar panel initiative, supported by the World Bank, is set to benefit people in 10 districts of Sindh.