After a nine-month respite, electricity loadshedding in Swat has again exceeded 20 hours a day every day, paralysing routine life in the valley.
Locals from all walks of life have held numerous protests against the prolonged power outages but the issue remains as is. People who are dependent on electricity for a living have been affected the most.
Talking to The Express Tribune, United Labour Union Swat President Marajun Nabi termed loadshedding as the “financial murder of industrial workers”.
He said, “Industrial workers have been the most affected by power outages as most of them have been laid off.” Traders’ Union Federation President Haji Ahmed Khan said the union has held many meetings with Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) officials but to no avail. He warned of widespread protests if the loadshedding continues.
“For the last 20 days I have not earned a single rupee,” said Rahim Sher, a tailor in Mingora Bazar.
“I’m making ends meet by borrowing money from friends, but how long will that last? The government is burying us alive,” he added. Zahir Khan, a social activist said he is sceptical about the electricity shortfall.
“It seems strange how the shortfall disappears when the government wants and then suddenly resurfaces. In my view the shortfall is created by the government to hide its weakness.”
Due to the prolonged loadshedding, there isn’t enough water available for consumption in the valley and people have to fetch water from far-off streams and springs, said Zaman, another resident.
All political parties in the valley have condemned the government for carrying out prolonged loadshedding on account of the difficulties faced by the people.
In a meeting with the K-P Minister for Forests and Environment, Wajid Ali Khan, Peshawar Electric Supply Company Chief Executive Ali Muhammad Khan assured him that loadshedding would be gradually reduced in the coming days.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2012.
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