KARACHI: The Sindh government has increased development budget by 39 per cent to Rs225 billion for fiscal year 2016-17.
Highest annual development program (ADP) allocation of Rs26 billion was suggested for the irrigation sector, followed by Rs20.731 for local governments, Rs15 billion for health and Rs13 billion for education.
A sum of Rs71.365 billion was earmarked for district level development programs. The ADP for the next fiscal year envisaged spending of Rs5.794 billion by agriculture supply and price department, Rs14 billion (works and services) and Rs3.783 billion (planning and development). The ADP for energy department was pitched at Rs6.35 billion for 2016-17.
The energy department has taken various initiatives to increase the energy output through renewable and non-renewable energy sources. This year, the government achieved the financial close of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Companies’ joint venture project at Thar Block-II.
The provincial government holds 54 percent share in this company, and has committed Rs11 billion as its equity share. This is a landmark achievement and will pave the way for energy security of this country.
The Sindh government is supplying gas to villages through Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGCL). A loan of Rs6.5 billion has been disbursed to SSGCL for carrying out gas supply to villages.
The government framed a dedicated Land Grant Policy 2015 for the purpose of developing renewable projects to promote renewable energy projects. It also aims to achieve increased economic activity by promoting distributed generation of electricity to catalyse economic activity in the far-flung areas of the province.
The government also planned 24 solar power projects, which will add 1,450 megawatts in the national grid. Total investment of solar power projects is approximately $2.9 billion.
