Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar on Tuesday provided his approval to a project pertaining to the conversion of Water & Sanitation Agency (WASA) projects and streetlights to solar energy in all divisional headquarters of the province, a news source reported.
In this regard, the CM chaired a meeting where he approved converting WASA projects of sewerage and water supply and streetlights in the province to solar energy. During the meeting, he also approved the introduction of solar-based projects for 50 to 100 houses. Additionally, he directed the authorities concerned to supply direct electricity to the industry via the provincial grid station.
Addressing the meeting, the CM revealed that the provincial government would set up a solar centre of excellence for solar testing & training in Multan and a renewable solar energy training centre in Bahawalpur. He added that the provincial executive planned to make electricity-producing units profitable and directed to implement standard building code for saving electricity.
CM Buzdar also asked to decrease the electricity bills for government bills and install solar systems at additional locations of hydropower plants. Meanwhile, the officials concerned briefed the meeting that hydropower systems comprising of bio and solar energy were installed in there villages initially. They added that a 150-MW waste-to-energy project would also reach completion soon.
In regards to schools without electricity, the CM directed to install solar systems. He also instructed to promote solar technology in tribal areas for encouraging a green environment.
