Sindh Cabinet Takes Action on Energy and Land Reforms
The Sindh cabinet, in a recent meeting, made significant decisions concerning energy projects and land management. The focus was on ensuring transparency and safeguarding public funds while modernizing crucial sectors. This reflects the government’s commitment to good governance and efficient resource allocation, as highlighted by a SindhNews.com report.
Probe Launched into the Sindh Solar Energy Project
The cabinet has ordered a comprehensive investigation and audit of the Rs28 billion World Bank-funded Sindh Solar Energy Project, SSEP. This decision follows concerns over financial irregularities and unmet project goals. The original plan involved providing solar kits to 250,000 families.
The cabinet heard reports of problematic contracts, payments for incomplete work, and issues around imports. These issues include the use of fake documents by the main contractor, which have led to significant financial losses. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed audits, recovery actions, and accountability measures.
Other Key Decisions
The cabinet also approved a reduced water rate for the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) pipeline project. The rate will now be 60 paise per gallon, a decrease from the initial proposal. The focus on affordable water access aligns with the government’s development plans.
Regarding land management, the cabinet greenlit a digitization project aimed at modernizing land records. This project, spearheaded by the Board of Revenue, will involve digitalizing existing records and creating a blockchain-based database to be managed by a new Sindh Land Records Authority. Property owners will receive digital cards, replacing traditional files. The cabinet also directed the release of funds for the Islamkot-Chorr railway line project.
Conclusion
The Sindh cabinet’s recent actions demonstrate a commitment to financial accountability, infrastructure development, and modernization. The measures taken to investigate the solar energy project and digitize land records highlight a proactive approach to improving governance and ensuring efficient public service delivery, as reported by SindhNews.com.