Swabi: Speaker KPK Assembly, Asad Qaiser today performed the ground-breaking ceremony of an important link road extension from Badga village to Takail Chowk, in Swabi district of Khyber Pukhtunkhwa. He also inaugurated Solar PV Lighting Systems project in the village. Also present on the occasion were Wolfgang Moellers, Country Director, KfW and Qazi Azmat Isa, CEO PPAF.Co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through Kfw both projects have been implemented by PPAF in partnership with National Rural Support Programme (NRSP).
Situated at a distance of about 53 KM from the main Swabi city via Gadoon road the remote village of Badga is located in Gani Chatra union council and falls in Gadoon area of district Swabi. The Badga road is an important link road that connects the village to other villages of the union council and beyond to the rest of the country. Responding to the passion and commitment of the community regarding road leveling task on self-help basis the 7 km long link road has been constructed under the “Improvement of the Earthen Link Road” project of Livelihood Support & Promotion of Small Community Infrastructure Program (LACIP). PPAF has borne 85 percent of the project cost while the community has contributed 15 percent in the form of labor. The project is expected to directly benefit 2,450 residents of village Badga.
Speaker KPK Assembly, Asad Qaiser also inaugurated 47 kW solar power system offering clean energy, generated from solar photo-voltaic systems to the community, under the Phase I of Renewable Energy Programme. The project will provide uninterrupted electricity to 50 household of the area, benefitting 320 people directly in addition to ensuring electricity supply the girls and boys schools, community centers and a mosque.
Speaking at the occasion, Speaker KPK Assembly, Asad Qaiser said “It is a matter of pride for me to be a part of this ceremony today, where we are celebrating the outstanding achievements of compatriots who are living life in extreme poverty. Poverty is the greatest challenge of our country, and to overcome this we need strong conviction and great commitment. As both a resident and a representative of this area, I am truly grateful to PPAF, KfW and NRSP who came forward for the development of this backward area. I think this kind of solar energy project should be implemented in other areas too, particularly those where WAPDA services are not accessible and the government is willing to help in this regard”.
Wolfgang Moellers, Country Director, KfW said, “The inauguration shows good example of community work supported by PPAF and NRSP, and other partners. KfW has supported the access road and solar energy system in the village making efficient use of German tax revenue which serves as a moment of great pride for the nation considering the magnitude of innovation. Pakistan is a very resourceful country when it comes to renewable energy with ample sunshine being a very important factor apart from massive wind energy of the Southern region and plenty of water up North.”
The development of Hydropower & Renewable Energy (HRE) Phase-I Renewable energy programme under PPAF has so far supported the implementation of more than 1000 renewable energy (RE) projects of diverse types and various capacities in different parts of the country.
Further, as many as 96 Community Based Mini Grid Solar System with total installed capacity of 500 KW are planned to be implemented in remote and off-grid locations of Swabi, Karak and Lakki Marwat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The produced electricity will not only be used for lightning purpose but small and mini enterprise will also be established. This will increase the household income, add value to local products and transform the lives of the marginalized.
The overall objective of the Livelihood Support & Promotion of Small Community Infrastructure Programme (LACIP) is the contribution to the improvement of general living conditions and quality life of poor population in the project region comprising 8 districts of Abottabad, Buner, Charsadda, Chitral, DI Khan, Haripur, Nowshera and Swabi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The program aims to increase access to and sustainable utilization of social and economic infrastructure by the population of the project region. Increase employment and income opportunities, especially for the poor and strengthening local civil society and enhanced participation of the population in decision- making at the local level. Under this program 1,964 community physical infrastructure projects have been completed and 7,838 individuals have been provided productive assets and imparted related trainings.
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