LANDIKOTAL: Load shedding and absence of light have compelled the tribal people in Landikotal to resort to buying solar panels to compete with the scorching heat in the area.

The solar panels as alternate energy can surely meet the needs of light and to run the small plastic made fans ,but cannot work at night time to force the mosquitoes to flee, as a result of which the malaria malady is increasing day by day in Landikotal and the far off areas.

People who have also the facility of UPS inverter and battery, avoid suffering at night time, but the have-nots are not in a position to buy the solar panels to meet energy crisis. Tribesmen are disappointed with government and Wapda authorities that they would not do them any justice with regard to the fair provision of electricity so that they could meet their domestic needs of water etc.

“We are selling solar panels on daily basis from seventy to hundred, which shows that the source of the alternate energy from the sun through the glasses have proven useful”, a shopkeeper told.

The solar panels are of various qualities, which carry different prices from ten thousand to thirty thousand, the shopkeeper said, adding that most of the people bring the panels from Afghanistan because of its good quality and cheap rates.

APA Landikotal Khalid Kundi has said that more than hundred solar panels have been provided free of cost to the dwellers of Bazaar Zakha Khel, which is a very far flung area and the most affected one.

Solar systems would also be provided to run the tube wells in various areas of Landikotal to overcome water shortage, he added.

The local people have demanded of the government to provide solar panels to the mosques, hujras, schools and tube wells without charging any fee keeping in view the high ratio of poverty in the tribal areas.

They have expressed disappointment over the discriminatory and unfair attitude of the Tesco authorities for depriving them of the fair distribution of power. People have also asked the health officials to conduct anti mosquitoes spray in Landikotal so that malaria could be controlled.