PESHAWAR, Sept 12: Construction work on a 220KV grid station in Mansehra will start soon while work on the 220KV transmission line is in progress. This was stated by chief executive of Pesco Brig Sakhi Marjan during a visit to the quake-and flood-affected areas of Hazara region to review rehabilitation and development works.

The Pesco chief said efforts had been made improvement and upgradation of the power distribution system, which had been badly damaged by the devastating October 8 earthquake and recent monsoon rains, floods and landslides.

He directed the officials concerned to expedite the pace of work on laying infrastructure for further improvement of the power distribution system in these areas.

He was optimistic that power supply to Naran valley would be restored before Ramazan.

He stressed the need to construct small hydel power stations in the area “which is the cheapest source of energy”.

Brig Sakhi Marjan disclosed that the feasibility regarding the construction of Mansehra grid station had been completed, and acquisition of land for the grid station finalised.

He visited the 132KV grid station in Balakot and directed the removal of debris and mud from the site.

He also inspected the various electricity schemes recently completed by the Pesco Construction Division.

He also inspected the erection of transmission line from Paras to Kurai and issued necessary instructions.

Later the Pesco chief executive presided over a high-level meeting wherein SE Hazara Circle Nazir Ahmad, XENs of Mansehra city and rural divisions and AMOs briefed him about line losses and recovery position in their respective divisions and sub-divisions.

Briefing the chair about the development and rehabilitation work, the SE Hazara circle said that despite a number of problems due to earthquake, flood and landsliding, the staff succeeded in maintaining the distribution system and power supply to the affected areas.

The Pesco chief appreciated the performance of the Hazara circle staff and hoped that they would continue to work with the same zeal and spirit.—APP