In a move to encourage power generation through alternative energy sources, the Sindh government has decided to convert Karachi parks into solar power in phases.
This was announced by Karachi administrator and Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab here on Tuesday.
In a statement, Murtaza Wahab said that the government will convert Kidney Hill Park and Safari Park into solar energy in first phase.
The step comes after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently announced the removal of 17 per cent general sales tax on solar panels aimed at reducing the country’s oil import bill.
Earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had announced to convert all Pakistan International Airports into solar power in phases.
The aviation authority decided to switch Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport to solar energy and also directed authorities concerned to prepare a feasibility plan in this connection.
DG Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Khaqan Murtaza had said the solar energy project will save millions of rupees in terms of expenditure.
“CAA is working on a plan to switch Karachi airport to solar energy,” he had said, adding that country’s other international airports would be converted into solar power in second phase.
Meanwhile, Administrator Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constructed football ground at KMC Sports Complex at Kashmir Road.
On the occasion, an exhibition match was played between Administrator Football XI and MC Football XI in which Administrator Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab and Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi played with the children.
The event was attended by Senior Director Culture and Sports Saif Abbas, Director Sports Complex Kaifulwara, officers and various personalities related to sports.
“KMC Sports Complex was in decline. We have started renovation of Sports Complex so that people can benefit from it,” the Administrator said.
He said that there is simultaneous provision of table tennis, squash, badminton, swimming, jogging track and other facilities for the citizens.
The Administrator said that football ground was closed for last 10 years. It was decided to open it in the best interest of the citizens and today this facility is available to the citizens which is a blessing for Karachi.
Talking to media, he said that the commotion created by the PTI in the Sindh Assembly during the budget today was very unfortunate.
He said that funds have been allocated in the budget for the development projects of Karachi which will carry out in all the districts.
“This year, Karachi Medical and Dental College will be upgraded into a metropolitan university and its charter will be approved in the next session of Sindh Assembly after the budget,” he added.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab said that mega projects for mass transit, underpasses, bridges and roads have been formulated in the budget of Sindh government for next year.
