REPEATED breakdowns of the electricity supply infrastructure and unannounced loadsheddings, for 48 hours at times, have frustrated thousands of people in many villages of the Gojal valley, the largest Tehsil of Gilgit – Baltistan.

Recently there was no electricity for three days (72 hours) because of disruption in the power supply systems, as engineers bulldozed pylons while working on expansion of the KKH.

Gojal (Hunza) is considered to be a hub of tourism in the entire region but the current power crisis doesn’t augur well for the tourism industry.

Tourists are the worst sufferers because there cannot be any supply of fresh food items due to power breakdowns. Hotels and other business dependent on electricity have lost hundreds of thousands of rupees as perishable items get destroyed due to prolonged power failures.

Students are also facing difficulty in carrying on their studies because of non-availability of electricity.

According to community representatives, although the issue has been discussed with top government officials like the chief secretary, works secretary and the assistant commissioner, no progress has been made so far to end the problem faced by the people.

NOOR MUHAMMAD

Gulmit, Gojal