300 poles with solar lights in Herat soon

HERAT CITY (PAN): The mayor on Wednesday said another 3,00 poles would be erected to install solar powered street lights at various squares and parks in 15 municipal districts of this capital city of western Herat province.

Mohammad Saleem Tarakai told Pajhwok Afghan News two of three phases of the $800,000 project had been completed by installing 700 poles in different locations of the city.

Herat City is supplied electricity imported from Turkmenistan and Iran, however, the power has not been enough to cater to the needs of its populations.

Noor Ali, a resident of Herat City, welcomed the proposed installation, believing it would help reduce crimes taking place during nights.

However, residents of the 9th municipal district considered the project a failure, saying the authorities had failed to fulfill their obligation for providing maintenance to the already installed street lights.

The mayor admitted the problem of faulty lights and their non-maintenance existed, saying they planned to replace batteries of the solar powered system.

Tarakai said Herat City needed a total of 2,500 street lights and his department planned erecting 1,500 poles until the end of next year.

Meanwhile, the National Solidarity Programme (NSP) was launched in the 7th and 11th municipal districts with financial assistance from Japan on Wednesday.

Tarakai said the $3 million worth projects under the NSP would be completed over the next two years in full cooperation with local residents.

Another municipality official Azizullah Foshanji thanked Japan for providing funds to the project, saying such projects had positive impact on the lives of local communities.

He hoped residents of the 7nth and 12th municipal districts would also financially contribute to the development schemes, including culverts, natural streams and bridges.

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