Repair work: PPP demands funds for Reshun power station

Money allocated before was insufficient for restoration

CHITRAL: Representatives of the Pakistan Peoples Party have demanded that the government release an additional fund of Rs40 million for the damaged Reshun Hydel Station in Chitral.

At a press conference in the district, PPP Chitral leader Sultan Wazir and other representatives of the party said Rs60 million were allocated for the restoration of the 4.2-megawatt hydropower station, which plays a vital role in supplying power to residents of the district.

They added locals faced immense difficulties after the power station was damaged during flash floods in 2015. The party leaders said Rs60 million were insufficient to restore the power station as repair work needed Rs100 million.

The speakers also questioned the district nazim after they found out he wants to take over the hydel power station through a public-private partnership.



They also criticised the administration for its negligence towards the people and their facilities.

“The protests taking place against the incompetency of the administration are clearly understandable,” said one of the speakers. “The administration needs not arrest those protesting for their rights.”

He added, “It is the duty of the government to provide facilities to the people.” He maintained when the government failed to do so, the residents took to the streets for their rights, but instead of fulfilling their demands, the district administration arrested them.

The speakers also condemned Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq for visiting Chitral, but not paying heed to the woes of locals demanding repairs of the Reshun power station.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th, 2016.