MINGORA: Around 315 houses of Jukhtai village in Miandam valley got smooth electric supply after the 65kilowatt micro-hydel power station was inaugurated on Thursday.

The power station was established by the Sarhad Rural Support Programme in eight months with the collaboration of local communities under the European Union Peace project for Malakand division.

Brigadier Asad Raza Syed of the Pakistan Army, who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony, said the project was executed in an area, which direly needed it.

“This is really commendable project to tap the local water into energy. The electricity produced here will be given to the residents of this mountainous area in comparatively low price,” he said after switching on the lights for the first time.

Ehsanullah Khan of SRSP said the power station was established in collaboration with the local community.

“Today the local communities are reaping the fruit of their hard work as they were involved in every phase of the project,” he said.

Swat district nazim Mohammad Ali Shah thanked the European Union for extending the support for the project.

Local residents expressed jubilation at having access to electricity for 24 hours nonstop on the monthly payment of Rs300.

“I am really happy to have electric supply for the first time. I have already installed electricity line at my house and purchased a television for family, especially children, who always wanted to watch it,” said Abdul Karim.Alimullah, a ninth grader, said he would be able to study at night due to smooth electric supply.

“I would often save my pocket money to buy candle to do school work at night. Things will ease much after having access to electricity,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2016