High officials from the Government including Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Minister Education, Minister Transportation, Education Secretariat, Directorate PEDO, Secretary Planning and Developemnt KPK, Chief Foreign Aid Office and Secretary Energy were present at the occasion along with UN Resident Coordinator and heads of other UN agencies and representatives of foreign missions and donor agencies, said a press release issued here.
The envisaged project is to be implemented by UNOPS Pakistan Office in partnership with the KPK Education Department through the joint financial support of the Department of International Department (DFID) and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). In total, the generous contribution from DFID and SFD for the duration of the project will amount to about US$ 8.5 million.
In his speech the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pervaiz Khatak said: “Solar is a great fit for the schools in these seven districts because the vast majority of their power usage is during the day,
when the sun is at its peak. Solar power provides a more efficient way for schools to meet their energy needs. In the long term it is anticipated the provision of energy solutions in school will convince the parents of those children who are reluctant to otherwise send their children to schools due to want of basic facilities in schools.
The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is thankful to the Department for International Development (DFID), UK, Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) for making this project happen.”
Minister for Education Atif Khan also addressed, “This initiative of providing schools of Southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with solar energy is henceforth a contribution to the solution of energy crisis in the area and provides electricity in the schools for improved learning environment.
This will have a positive impact on the enrollment rate of students, their interest to attend the school and study hard for a bright future.
During his speech Sanjay Mathur, Regional Director also appreciated the efforts taken by UNOPS Pakistan for taking on this initiative and recognizing the need for it. Special thanks to Department for International Development (DFID), UK and Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) for monetarily recognizing the importance of this project and investing their gratitude and adding to the economy of the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He thanked the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their continuous support of this project and materializing this grant.”
In her address Head of Office, United Nations Resident (UNRC) Sarwat underlined that, “Where the sun is shining, it's a bit like a tap running, with no one collecting the water.
We're wasting perfectly good, free power. By investing in solar power on their large estates, schools can save thousands of Rupees of money spent on in-house electricity bills. Providing with basic facilities like the provision of energy solution illustrates a bright future for children of this region.
While addressing the ceremony Ms. Joanna Reid, Head of Department for International Development (DFID) said, “I am delighted to be here launching this project with the Saudi Fund for Development; the first ever collaboration between DFID and the Saudi Fund for Development.
This project aims to provide a sustainable way for children to have electricity at school for the first time. Not to forget that electricity also gives children a chance to connect to other communication and open up new possibilities for learning.
The funds provided will enable UNOPS to install off-grid solar power systems in nearly 2000 unserved schools.”
In his address the SFD Head said, “I am delighted to be launching this project in collaboration DFID. I also thank UNOPS and Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for their continuous support and cooperation in the implementation of this project.
This will be a turning point in the implementation of large-scale renewable energy projects. It will empower the students, provide them with opportunities and lead the province to economic and social development.”
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, helping a range of partners implement around $1.4 billion worth of peace-building, humanitarian and development projects every year. UNOPS strives to become a leader in sustainability. We are working closely with governments and communities to ensure increased sustainability for the projects we support.
As mandated by the UN General Assembly UNOPS specializes in Sustainable Infrastructure, Sustainable Procurement and Sustainable Project Management.