The Federal
Government and Government of Balochistan have agreed to conduct immediate
feasibilities within one month time for installation
of thirty thousands (30000) solar tube well by replacing the existing
conventional tube wells.
The decision was
taken today in a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Power Division Sardar Awais
Ahmed Khan Laghari under special instruction of the Prime Minister Shahid
Khaqan Abbasi. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Government of
Balochistan, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Planning and Power Division.
The Meeting took stock
of the entire spectrum of converting the existing thirty thousand tube wells on
solar power. The meeting also decided that Quetta Electric Supply Company
(QESCO) will also prepare its technical proposal regarding smooth transition
from electricity to solar power. It was decided that both QESCO and Government
of Balochistan will jointly prepare workable document spanning over the
technical modalities as well the financial proposals for installation of these
tubules within the time frame.
Federal Minister for
Power Division Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Laghari expressing his views said that
Government is paying 23 billion rupees per years as subsidy for these thirty
thousands tube well and their conversion to solar power will result in
lessening burden on national exchequer. Besides the conversion will also lead
towards ensured power supply on affordable rates to the agriculturists yielding
in increase in the productivity, he added.
Federal Minister also
noted that presently the capacity of these thirty thousand tube wells is 900MW,
and the conversion will also lead towards saving of the electricity. He said
that all illegal connection associated with these tube wells will also be
exposed and proper action can be taken.
The meeting was
informed that Federal Government is ready to invest in the solar tube wells and
will extend all out support in this regard. This step is bound to encourage off
grid solution for the far flung areas of the Balochistan in the near future.