Transformer thefts: Water schemes worth millions on brink of closure

ISLAMABAD:

A number of water supply schemes are heading towards possible closure due to the increasing rate of electricity transformers being stolen in Mansehra District.

As many as 25 transformers have been stolen from different areas of the district during the last four months, while the local police and administration have made negligible efforts to track down those responsible.

Local people told The Express Tribune that of many such schemes, a Rs12 million water scheme in Lassaan Thakral Union Council has been shut down for the last seven months due to the theft of an electricity transformer.

Some two years ago, the authorities had managed to ensure water supply for Karer village using a pipeline to link with a source seven kilometres away. However, the transformer installed to power the water supply scheme was also stolen by unidentified persons.

Local representatives of the area held a series of meetings with the district coordination officer, public health department’s officials and Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) high-ups, but the water supply schemes still appears to be in limbo.

When contacted, a representative of the public health department conceded that 25 transformers have been stolen in the last few months. However, he insisted that the police have registered cases against unidentified persons.

Locals alleged that contractors, in connivance with Wapda and public health department officials, somehow stole the transformers.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 20^th, 2011.