Work on EU-funded micro-hydel power project launched in remote Chitral Valley

CHITRAL: The work was launched on a Rs4.2 million micro-hydropower station in remote Garam Chashma village of Lotkoh tehsil under the Peace project of the European Union on Sunday.

To generate 40 kilowatts of electricity, the project is being implemented by the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP).“The project was approved keeping in view the interest of the locals as work on similar projects had been launched in eight union councils in Chitral under the EU-funded project,” said Masoodul Mulk, chief executive officer of the SRSP. He was speaking at a ceremony after handing over cheque of first installment to the representative of the male community organisation of the village.

“As the Garam Chashma is a tourist spot, the project was approved in a special case,” he said.

The flood had washed away the lone power station in the area a few years back. Masoodul Mulk said the Community-Driven Local Development (CDLD) had also been launched in Malakand division, including Chitral. He urged the community to take maximum benefit of the project.

Elders visit power project: A group of leaders belonging to various political parties visited the Golen Gol Hydropower Project and expressed satisfaction over the pace of work.Maulana Sher Aziz of Jamaat-i-Islami, Maulana Abdus Sami, Eidul Hussain, Jandullah Khan, Muhammad Ali Shah and Muhammad Husain visited the site of vital project.

Later, speaking at a news conference at the Chitral Press Club, the elders said that the work on the project was continuing without any hindrance.“Though last years’ floods and earthquakes affected the pace of work, the situation is now under control,” said Maulana Sher Aziz.

The elders hoped that the project would be completed soon. They also urged the officials of the Sarhad Rural Support Programme (SRSP) to make it sure that the project was completed in the stipulated time.The elders said the project after its completion would address the issue of power outages and low voltage in Chitral town.