While 90% of power crisis-hit Gilgit sat in the dark on Thursday, Abdul Waheed was struck by an idea – and a light bulb lit up.
Gilgit has been hit by the worst power crisis this year after its main water reservoir developed cracks a week ago. Experts called in from Lahore but the Gilgit-Baltistan government had the reservoir drained in order to repair the fissures, resulting in a complete blackout since Thursday.
According to officials, power will be restored by Wednesday.
Being in the dark has certainly crippled routine life, with some even suffering a communication breakdown for not being able to charge their cellphones.
However, Abdul Waheed, a mobile mechanic, decided to take advantage of the crisis, starting a unique business in Gilgit – charging people Rs10 to 20 per device for charging their phones through a generator.
“We make around Rs1,000-2,000 per day for just charging mobile phones these days,” Waheed told The Express Tribune.
His shop, which used to be practically deserted until recently owing to the freezing cold and deteriorating law and order situation, is now packed with customers. Business is going smoothly – thanks to the power crisis.
Assisted by his friends, Waheed numbers each mobile set he receives for charging in his shop, handing the customers receipts with the same number. Customers are advised to take their phones back within 24 hours or face the risk of losing them due to the rush.
“The advice works as customers pick it up within an hour, with some even waiting outside the shop,” he said, with pride.
Similarly, a large number of people can be seen visiting government and private offices to charge their mobile phones through electricity provided by generators.
Situated about 45 kilometres from Gilgit, the 18-megawatt Hydel power project was built in 2008 during former president Pervez Musharraf’s government. It is the largest power project of G-B, supplying power to almost 90% of the population.
edited by shayan naveed
Published in The Express Tribune, January 25th, 2012.
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NALTAR project was built by Chinese Engineers, so what else do you expect from Chinese goods??? Developed cracks/fissures in just 4 years???!!!
..............18-megawatt Hydel power project was built in 2008 during former president Pervez Musharraf’s government. It is the largest power project of G-B, supplying power to almost 90% of the population................
Still we say, No Power Project was taken up during Musharraf's rule!
Brilliant and now this guy is an entrepreneur. Wish we had more of them, with ideas, drive and will, in Pakistan.