Sharae Faisal street lights go solar

Initiative expected to save around Rs25 million annually in electricity costs

KARACHI:

Street lights on major arteries of the city, including Sharae Faisal and Shahrah-e-Iran, have been shifted to a solar-powered system, Mayor Murtaza Wahab said on Sunday.

He said the Rs900 million project included a five-year operations and maintenance warranty, under which the installing company would be responsible for upkeep. The initiative is expected to save around Rs25 million annually in electricity costs.

The mayor expressed these views while inaugurating the solar street-lighting project on Sharae Faisal. Deputy Parliamentary Leader of the City Council Dil Muhammad and other elected representatives were also present on the occasion.

He said that previously, street lights often remained switched off due to K-Electric load-shedding, leading to complaints against the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. He added that the issue had now been resolved through practical measures.

Wahab said that Conocarpus trees were neither environment-friendly nor suitable for urban infrastructure, but unnecessary controversy was created over their removal. He stressed that the plantation of indigenous tree species was essential for environmental protection, soil health and public wellbeing.

He added that Sir Shah Suleman Road, Mai Kolachi Road and other major arteries would also be shifted to solar energy. He said the initiatives were environment-friendly and would help reduce the city's carbon footprint, lower energy costs and promote sustainable development.

The mayor said that KMC was carrying out development works across the city without discrimination, with the aim of moving forward in consultation with all stakeholders.

He said improvement projects were under way at Pakistan Chowk, Shahrah-e-Liaquat and Sohrab Goth.