Islamabad – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will provide panels, water heaters and pumps propelled by solar energy to 105 most flood-affected communities in Khyber Pakhtunhkwa, Sindh and Punjab. This environmentally-friendly equipment will help communities restore their basic energy needs, such as lighting streets and houses, restoring the water supply and heating.
The floods in Pakistan caused major devastation to community infrastructure, houses, and livelihood resources throughout the country.This need was identified by the communities as basic electricity supplies had been disrupted exposing inhabitants to snake bites during the night and hindering routine activities in the evening. With the onset of winter, the need for warm water also became critical in these areas. People in most affected communities spend their meager income to purchase kerosene oil or fuel wood to light houses and cook meals. This puts lots of pressure on women and children as in rural communities they are expected to fetch provisions for cooking, heating and lighting for their families.
As part of UNDP’s early recovery response, in the coming three months, the project will provide 2,500 solar panels, 15,000 portable lights, 300 solar street lights, and 300 solar water heaters to the poorest families and vulnerable people including women, children and the disabled. Collectively around 90,000 flood victims will benefit from this support.
Toshihiro Tanaka, UNDP Country Director said “We are heartened that with generous support of COFRA Foundation we are able to help people access alternative and sustainable energy sources to meet their daily needs.”
The project is funded by COFRA Foundation, a philanthropic arm of COFRA Holding AG, an internationally operating company active in retail, real estate, and corporate investments, based in Zug, Switzerland.
“We are glad to be able to provide this assistance to Pakistan through UNDP, at a time of loss and devastation.” said Bintou Ka Niang, a COFRA Foundation Board Member. “We hope that these solar solutions will go a long way towards helping meet the basic needs of families affected by floods.”
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For further information and media assistance, please contact,
Mehreen Saeed, Communication Analyst, UNDP Pakistan
4rth Floor Serena Office Complex, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8355650 or Email:
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Website: http://www.undp.org.pk
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UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.