Chitral—Chitral witnessed a new era in micro hydro development sector when local engineers made 800 feet long tunnel water channel to run a micro hydro power station producing 600 KW electricity at Karimabad valley and Work has been started on 600 KV hydro power house at Sewakht village of Shughoor valley.
The tunnel, first of its nature constructed by local private entity, symbolizes the commitment to development of Chitral people on self-help basis when people around the country react to the energy shortfall through protests and destruction.
The tunnel of seven feet diameter was a joint venture of the local communities, GAP and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), where GAP provided technical support to the project funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).
The micro hydro power Project, providing electricity to 9 villages of Karimabad valley of Lotkoh area, will be managed by the local community based power committee with the technical support of any energy company hired at local or national level.
The project will prove a milestone to the GAP commitment for larger projects and its efforts to work on the next generation energy solutions for sustainable livelihood and to make energy work for low income families and households. On Completion of 800 feet long tunnel a thanks giving day and a function was held at Sewakht village.
Regional programme Manager of AKRSP Engineer Sardar Ayub was chief guest on the occasion. Addressing the participants Eng. Sardar Ayub said that PPAF provided 68 million fund for this purpose while community put their share of 10 million. There are two tunnels 800 and 115 feet long which were totally completed by local engineers without any casualty or loss. At first phase it will provide 500 KV electricity to 11000 people which will be augmentation to 600 KV and will be completed within stipulated period of two years.
A local woman told this scribe that there was no electricity in the valley and were living in dark while this power house will bring light in our lives at first time and we will be able to utilize home electric appliances as well as computer and internet, etc. A large number of people attended the inauguration-cum-thanks giving day of tunnel and 600 KV hydro power station. Pakistan Observer
The tunnel, first of its nature constructed by local private entity, symbolizes the commitment to development of Chitral people on self-help basis when people around the country react to the energy shortfall through protests and destruction.
The tunnel of seven feet diameter was a joint venture of the local communities, GAP and Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), where GAP provided technical support to the project funded by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF).
The micro hydro power Project, providing electricity to 9 villages of Karimabad valley of Lotkoh area, will be managed by the local community based power committee with the technical support of any energy company hired at local or national level.
The project will prove a milestone to the GAP commitment for larger projects and its efforts to work on the next generation energy solutions for sustainable livelihood and to make energy work for low income families and households. On Completion of 800 feet long tunnel a thanks giving day and a function was held at Sewakht village.
Regional programme Manager of AKRSP Engineer Sardar Ayub was chief guest on the occasion. Addressing the participants Eng. Sardar Ayub said that PPAF provided 68 million fund for this purpose while community put their share of 10 million. There are two tunnels 800 and 115 feet long which were totally completed by local engineers without any casualty or loss. At first phase it will provide 500 KV electricity to 11000 people which will be augmentation to 600 KV and will be completed within stipulated period of two years.
A local woman told this scribe that there was no electricity in the valley and were living in dark while this power house will bring light in our lives at first time and we will be able to utilize home electric appliances as well as computer and internet, etc. A large number of people attended the inauguration-cum-thanks giving day of tunnel and 600 KV hydro power station. Pakistan Observer