SHANGLA: Two more micro hydropower stations (MHPs) were inaugurated on Thursday in Alpuri tehsil of Shangla, providing electricity to the residents of Machar village and Munir Colony.

The power stations were built with the collaboration of Pakhtunkhwa Energy and Development Organisation (Pedo) and Sarhad Rural Support Programme. Deputy Commissioner Abdul Kabir Khan was the chief guest at the two ceremonies and inaugurated 20-kilowatt MHP at Machar village and 50-kilowatt MHP at Munir Colony, respectively.

SRSP project manager Pir Amirullah and local community members were also present on this occasion.

The DC said in his speech that 13 of 25 MHPs had been completed in various parts of Shangla district and the rest would be completed as per schedule. He said that Shangla had a rich natural potential, especially of water, and when all the ongoing power projects would be completed the district would get smooth electricity and huge revenue.

DC says 13 micro hydropower stations set up in district

He appreciated the role of SRSP in development of rural areas by establishing infrastructure projects through involvement of local communities. Amirullah said that the community would be responsible for the maintenance of completed MHPs.

Meanwhile, district nazim Niaz Ahmed asked the authorities concerned to ensure their preparedness for likely monsoon flash floods. He also issued high alert as Shangla district had been declared ‘disaster-prone’ by PDMA.

NO DRINKING WATER: Dwellers of Gumrash area in Chakesar tehsil are still without drinking water and the people have to consume water from rainwater ponds. They have demanded of the government to announce water supply scheme for the area.

The rural area with a population of about 2, 000 has scenic places, lush green meadows, pine trees and cold weather. However, the people have still been kept deprived of basic facilities like health and education.

“Politicians treat us like animals as we fetch water for drinking from ponds. The elected representatives are not resolving our problems despite making promises during elections,” said Mohammad Azam, a resident of the area. He said that the political leaders should resolve the issues before next general elections.

Another resident Mohammad Ameen said that there was no health facility for the people and patients from the area often died on way to hospitals in other areas due to bad condition of the road.

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2017