Daily Times

KARACHI: The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) with the collaboration of KfW, a German government-owned development bank in Frankfurt, has set up a 36kW hydropower project in Sarkalayin village, Buner, Kyber Pakhtunkwa.

With a total population of 895, the hilly village of Sarkalayin – home to about 60 households – has now electricity thanks to power project completed under the KfW-funded Hydropower Renewable Energy (HRE) project.

The whole project consists of two phases with a financial outlay of euro 22.5 million. Phase-I was initiated in 2013 and is planned to be completed in 2018. Phase-II spanning over three years will follow Phase-I.

The KfW delegation along with PPAF senior officials inaugurated the hydropower project on September 10 and the solar mini-grid projects in district Lakki Marwat on September 11.

While inaugurating the projects, Michael Gruber, division head of peace and governance programme, KfW appreciated the efforts of the PPAF in implementing renewable projects in off-grid and remote areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “These projects will improve socio-economic situation of the people and development of the area”. He emphasized on proper operation and maintenance of the projects to ensure long term benefits of the project.

Speaking on the occasion, HRE Project Manager Maja Bott said, “These projects are located in very challenging and difficult terrain. The high quality of equipment and civil structures will help ensure long life of these projects”.

Amir Naeem of the PPAF acknowledged support of KfW and thanked the bank and the local community for their support, saying: “The PPAF is delighted to work on this project with KfW that will improve lives of people living in the areas and help achieve ultimate goal of poverty alleviation.”

Simi Kamal, senior group head, grants operations, PPAF, appreciated the cooperation of KfW in implementation of the renewable energy projects in the province. She added, “The PPAF will ensure inclusion of women in all its activities, as it is the mandate of the PPAF to engage women and ensure their active participation in economic development activities.”

The project is being implemented in six districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa covering eight union councils.

The HRE Phase-I is expected to benefit over 20,000 people.

Five mini/ micro hydropower plants with total capacity of 803kW (ranging from 36kW to 306 kW) are planned to be implemented in Chitral, Upper Dir and Buner districts. The produced electricity will not only be used for lighting purposes but small and mini enterprises will also be established.

Moreover, as many as 96 solar mini-grid systems with total installed capacity of 500kW are planned to be implemented in remote and off-grid locations of Karak, Swabi and Lakki Marwat districts.