In a first, KMC main building switches to solar power

Four major hospitals will also be solarised, says Mayor Murtaza Wahab

KARACHI:

The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has switched to solar energy in a move that Mayor Murtaza Wahab hailed as "historic", saying that the KMC is the first local government body in Pakistan to embrace solarisation. A 150kV solar system has been installed on the building, he said, adding that they have signed an agreement with K-Electric to implement 80kV net metering system.

According to Mayor Wahab, this initiative will not only reduce electricity bills but will also eliminate additional expenses of running generators during power outages. "The move represents a major step towards sustainable energy solutions for local government operations," he said while addressing a presser on Wednesday. The initiative has been taken to give the message of "Green and Clean Karachi" to the city. KMC's four major hospitals will also be converted to solar energy soon, so that improvements can be made through net metering from K-Electric. The mayor also revealed that tenders have also been invited for conversion of three key roads of the metropolitan city to solar energy.

He added that the Sindh government has provided Rs1.5 billion for the project while Rs500 million has been spent by KMC from its own kitty. About the ongoing development projects, he said that the Qayyumabad section of the Malir Expressway will soon be opened to traffic.

Mayor Wahab further stated that KMC has provided land for a satellite centre of the Sindh Institute of Heart Diseases. Residents of Baldia and Orangi will start availing diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the next 20 to 25 days, he added.