Sindh Solar Energy Project nears completion, WB team told

Property tax survey in Karachi slated to commence in March 2024

KARACHI:

The Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) is making steady progress, with solar installations completed at 33 out of 34 designated sites. This was revealed in a meeting between a 12-member World Bank delegation, led by its Country Director Najy Binhussaine, and Sindh's Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar on Thursday.

Although there have been delays in the project, the chief minister assured the high-powered delegation that it would be completed by November 30. The meeting focused on the overall World Bank-assisted portfolio in the province.

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CM Baqar was joined by his cabinet members Ishwar Lal, Omar Soomro, Rana Hussain, Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Ala, PSCM Hassan Naqvi, Chairman Planning and Development Shakil Mangnejo, Secretary of Local Government Manzoor Shaikh, and other senior officials.

Mangenjo gave a comprehensive briefing to the delegation on the progress and challenges of ongoing projects within the province. Currently, there are 13 major World Bank-sponsored projects, worth $3,218.3 million, underway in Sindh. Of this, 29%, or $947.8 million, has already been released. In the ongoing fiscal year, the global lender is expected to release $415 million, out of which $133.8 million has been disbursed thus far.

Discussions also revolved around the Competitive and Livable City of Karachi (CLICK) project. It was reported that the property tax survey in the city had faced delays, and it is now slated to commence in March 2024. It was emphasised that the procurement of satellite data and software development would be concluded in March.

Read more:37 Sindh hospitals switched to solar energy

The Karachi Mobility Project, which includes the construction of Jam Sadiq Bridge, was also discussed in the meeting where it was revealed that financial proposals are under evaluation. The procurement notice for the BRT Yellow Line has already been advertised, and proposals are to be received by Nov 15. The meeting decided to finalise the design and bidding documents for the 10km BRT Yellow Line Corridor within the next month.

The meeting also addressed the "Strengthening Social Protection Delivery System in Sindh" project and decided to expedite the appointment of a Secretary for the Social Development Department to initiate the project.

Regarding the Sindh Irrigated Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project, it was reported that out of 1,593 watercourses, 845 have been rehabilitated. Additionally, 40 out of 56 water storage tanks have been rehabilitated, with work on the remaining 16 in progress.

In the end, the meeting decided to review progress on these projects again after two months.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 13^th, 2023.