Raising the curtain: Micro hydel project inaugurated in Chitral

Initiative will be owned by beneficiaries, provide electricity to 400 houses

CHITRAL: A community-owned micro hydel project was inaugurated in Arandu Valley, Chitral on Saturday. The 200kW project costs Rs17.3 million and will provide electricity to over 400 houses, and various schools and dispensaries in the valley.

The initiative was inaugurated by North Sector Commander Brigadier Ziaul Islam. A large number of people, including representatives from Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, AKRSP Regional Programme Manager Sardar Ayub congratulated residents of Arandu for the inauguration of the hydel project. He also lauded the effort of technical experts for providing guidance throughout the project.

Ayub briefed participants about the technical details of the project. “It [the micro hydel project] will be owned by the beneficiaries,” he said.  The regional programme manager also urged the community to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of the project.

Chitral Scouts Commandant Colonel Nizamuddin Shah also emphasised the need for improved coordination in the delivery of community infrastructure.

Tehsil council vice chairman Haji Sultan said relevant stakeholders have provided adequate support to complete the project. “The project was essential to bring a positive impact on the lives of the people,” he said.

Sultan also demanded more funds should be invested in community-based hydel projects in Chitral as the region has abundant water resources.

Community involvement

The project is among 142 micro hydel projects constructed by AKRSP in collaboration with different donors. The completed projects are operated and maintained by the communities through self-finance mechanisms.

The K-P government has also pledged funds for the construction of 55 hydel projects in Chitral. These projects are at various stages of construction and most of the projects will be completed
in 2016.

According to AKRSP, investing in community-based hydel projects in various parts of Chitral will have a positive impact on the lives of people, mitigate the negative impacts of climate change efforts and create jobs for young people in Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 13^th, 2015.