KARACHI: Government of Sindh has earmarked Rs225 billion for Annual Development Program 2016-17, an increase of a massive 39 percent over the current year’s ADP of Rs162 billion.
Highest ADP allocation of Rs26 billion is made 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 is earmarked for district level development programs.
Sindh ADP 2016-17 envisages spending of Rs5.794 billion by agriculture supply & price department, Rs14 billion by works & services department and Rs3.783 billion by planning & development department.
The ADP for energy department is pitched at Rs6.35 billion for FY 2016-17. With these funds, the energy department has taken various initiatives to increase the energy output through renewable and non-renewable energy sources.
One of the greatest news of the current financial year is achievement of financial close for Sindh Engro Coal Mining Companies’ joint venture project at Thar Block-II. GoS 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.
To promote renewable energy projects, Government of Sindh has framed dedicated Land Grant Policy 2015 for the purpose of developing renewable projects in the province.
Government of Sindh also aims to achieve increased economic activity by promoting distributed generation of electricity to catalyze economic activity in far flung areas of the province.
The Government of Sindh has also planned 24 solar power projects which will add 1450 MW in national grid. Total investment of solar power projects is $2.9 billion approximately.
Government of Sindh is executing supply of 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.