By Sajid Irfan

ISLAMABAD, August 2 (INP-WealthPK): The Covid-19 pandemic and the resultant lockdowns in Pakistan have caused a rise in poverty level, pushing the people, especially those in the backward areas including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, further down the poverty line.

In order to give relief to the marginalized communities of these areas and to improve their socio-economic status, the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) took the initiative to install small hydro power and solar mini-grid systems for supply of free distributed energy.

A spokesperson for the PPAF told WealthPK that the overall poverty rate in Pakistan was around 39%, which was too high, and the increase in poverty is due to the unavailability of basic necessities of life.

He said the PPAF took the responsibility to reduce poverty in Gilgit and Azad Jammu and Kashmir by installing hydropower plants and solar mini-grid stations.  

The PPAF has so far supported the implementation of more than 1,300 renewable energy (RE) projects of diverse types and various capacities. These include the design and implementation of mini & micro hydropower projects, solar lighting and water pumping systems, wind energy projects, solar-wind hybrid and biogas plants.

“These projects were funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through KfW and implemented by the PPAF. The project mainly comprises two components: mini and micro hydropower projects and solar mini-grid systems. The PPAF is implementing these projects through indigenous and specialized partner organisations including Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), National Rural Support Programme (NRSP), Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP), Community Motivation & Development Organisation (CMDO) and Social Action Bureau for Assistance in Welfare & Organisational Networking (SABAWON). A large number of community members participated in the inauguration of these solar energy mini-grids,” the spokesperson added.

Five mini and micro hydropower plants with a total capacity of 800kW have been installed in Buner, Chitral and Upper Dir. The power produced by these plants is sufficient for lighting, cooking, heating and other domestic daily uses. It will also be used to meet the energy needs of small and mini enterprises. This will increase the household income, add value to the local products and transform the lives of marginalized communities.

The spokesperson said the PPAF had also installed 68 mini-solar grid systems in the remote areas of Karak, Swabi and Lakki Marwat of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The total capacity of these plants is 493.5kW.

The solar energy mini-grids are providing electricity to schools, lighting up households, and supporting small enterprises in the poorest communities.

Independent News Pakistan—Wealthpk