Meanwhile, the project was approved by the Cabinet, which included generalizing using the compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) instead of the conventional lamps.
Shaikh Ahmed stated that the step was a live embodiment of the government’s initiative related to the devotion of the optimal utilization of natural resources as well as the available resources, highlighting that the Cabinet had approved the project on 9th of January 2011.
The project stipulated the commitment of all ministries and government’s institutions to take all actions and measures that reinforce the environmental dimension as one of the basic components of government’s programmes and policies, such as applying the rule concerned with thermal insulation in all projects and government’s buildings.
It also stated using of electrical wiring and financial systems which reduce consumption reduce paper consumption in transactions through the expansion of dealing through e-government, and dissemination of multi-use consumables and recyclables.
The Minister hailed the existing cooperation with World Bank, as being considered one the leading international institutions in the field of providing technical support for the development projects.
Dr. Abdul Hussain Mirza highlighted the vital role of the project of raising the efficiency of lighting in the housing sector in reducing the electricity consumption and also reducing maximum loads in the electrical grid during summer, which would in return lead to reducing levels of carbon emissions.
Dr. Mirza pointed out that along with the agreement, there will be surveys about the quality of the used lighting in all different consumers sectors, and implementing a designed programme for the modern lighting called the smart lighting, including the preparation of technical specifications, and developing a plan to increase awareness of all consumers sectors.
Dr. Mirza also highlighted that there would develop a policy to get rid of the traditional thermal bulbs, and promote the required mechanisms to ensure implementation.
Dr. Mirza expressed his thanks and appreciation for the World Bank for its cooperation in presenting the technical advice to the project.
Director of strategic planning for the Middle East and North Africa of the World Bank, Farrukh Iqbal, , who signed the agreement on behalf of the bank, stressed that achieving competency in using energy was considered a positive impact for all concerned parties. He said that the positive results would mainly include less money in electricity bills, and also less demand for electricity, as well as less emission.