Beacon of light: Power restored in Gilgit after four-day blackout

G-B CM pledges Rs5,000 each for flood victims

GILGIT:

Electricity was restored in various parts of Gilgit on Wednesday after four days of blackout. A large number of residents heaved a sigh of relief as the power breakdown triggered by floods in the region drew to a close.

“I’m glad the electricity has been restored,” a resident of Gilgit told The Express Tribune.

Floods in G-B had reportedly damaged 42 hydel power stations across the region and resulted in a power breakdown.

According to an official of the power department, a damaged pipeline has been repaired at Naltar Hydel Power.

“Furthermore, debris which obstructed the flow of water towards the hydel power project has been removed by the public works department (PWD),” the official added.

A day earlier, G-B Minister for Works Dr Muhammad Iqbal visited the site to inspect progress on the hydel power project. “The system needs work and we’re here to do it,” Iqbal told journalists after visiting the site. The minister said all new appointments in the works department would be based on merit.



Iqbal added National Accountability Bureau and Federal Investigation Agency would be strengthened to prevent corruption.

Flood relief

The recent floods, triggered by monsoon rains and glacial melt down, have damaged at least 255 houses and 455 acres of land across G-B.

Addressing a news conference on Tuesday in Skardu, Chief Minister Hafeezur Rahman said Rs5,000 each from Baitul Maal has been earmarked for flood victims.

“G-B and Azad Kashmir have been allocated only 1% share in flood commission, which is insufficient,” he said. “We have sought at least 3% share for G-B from the federal government. We plan to purchase modern equipment to effectively respond to disasters
in future.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2015.