Solvable Electricity problem being ignored

Chitral - Whereas electricity shortage is one of the major issues being faced by Chitral today, nothing worthwhile is being seen done to mitigate this lurking problem. Other than lack of production and massive corruption in the department, the electricity supply to Chitral town from the national grid over the Lowari pass is also a failed concept and a constant cause of headache for the electric consumers.

At the first first few drops of rainfall, the electricity supply from the national grid gets severed on the pretext that poles have fallen on the pass (a claim which is never verifiable), and then it takes weeks (not days) to restore the same.

Now another solvable problem with regard to electricity supply from the national grid has come to light. From technical sources inside the department, it is learnt that the Step down transformer at Chakdara grid station which passes electricity onwards to Chitral is of only 1800 Amperes, whereas the load on the transformer is of 4000 Amperes resulting in frequent tripping of the line, even when there is no rain and the poles are intact. Upgrading the transformer should not be a big deal when measured with the convenience it would provide to the thousands of residents of Chitral town.

Elected representatives should wake up to their responsibility and immediately take steps to do the needful. -- Abdul Khaliq, 04 Mar 2011.