As a cold wave gripped various parts of the region following heavy rains and snowfall, tribespeople have repeatedly complained about the shortage of firewood STOCK IMAGE
Keeping the fire going is often tantamount to burning money. But for the residents of Wana subdivision of South Waziristan, it is the only means of staying warm in winter.
As a cold wave gripped various parts of the region following heavy rains and snowfall, tribespeople have repeatedly complained about the shortage of firewood and the ban on importing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Faced with these challenges, they have been left in the lurch to find their own strategy for survival.
Strain on your pockets
During winter the demand for firewood increases sharply among local tribesmen. A large number of households in the region need it to keep their angithi (a traditional brazier for space-heating and cooking) burning.
As a result, residents make a beeline to the Lakri Mandi (wood market) near Wana Bazaar to stockpile on firewood.
Adil Wazir, a resident of Spin village, had to rent a car to transport large piles of wood back to his house which is 30 kilometres away from Wana. “This time, I paid Rs15,000 for the car,” he says. “The rates have increased substantially. Two months back, I paid Rs8,000 for it.”
Meanwhile, the cost of hiring a pick-up truck has increased to Rs60,000. Since these are the only means to transport firewood in the region, the exorbitant rates have created another costly hurdle for residents. “Firewood is not only expensive, it is also in short supply in Wana,” Wazir adds.
Nowhere to go
The ban on importing LPG cylinders has added to their woes as tribespeople have lost a cheap alternative to stay warm in winter.
Sher Muhammad Kojal Khel, a distributor of LPG cylinders at Wana Bazaar, says a 12-kilogramme LPG cylinder is sold for Rs1,300.
“It was previously comparatively cheaper than buying firewood,” he explains. “However, the ban, which was imposed on January 2, is likely to have a negative effect.
“There are at least eight LPG distributors in Wana Bazaar,” he said. “We have joined hands to urge the government to lift the ban. However, our demands have not been heard.”
These problems are just the tip of the iceberg.
Amjad Ali Bangash, a local journalist, told The Express Tribune the change in weather has obstructed telephone lines and caused severe power outages. The cold weather has led to the outbreak of many diseases.
Residents of Wana say they cannot just simply hide under blankets to protect themselves from the biting chill; the government needs to provide them with basic facilities to help them survive the cold.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 9th, 2015.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ