The problem at Sunniguard powerhouse has directly affected around 2,500 households, the operation of FM radio and newspapers and mobile phone services in the region. The power supply stands disrupted since 15 October. [break]
Speaking to Republica, chief of Kalikot branch of Nepal Electricity Authority Naresh Bhandari said that the problem is holes in two of the turbines. “It´s taking time to repair the machinery as spare parts have to be imported from abroad,” he informed.
The lack of power supply has directly hit local consumers as well as media houses and mobile phone companies. Some media houses are relying on generators to keep their publications and FM radio stations going, but others have not yet resumed their operations.
Chulimali FM runs six hours a day through the use of a generator, and this means Rs 300 in extra cost per hour. “The cost is very high, but we have no choice,” said Ashoknath Yogi, chairperson of the FM station executive board. The generator was bought for Rs 150,000 a week ago.
For lack of power supply, another popular FM, Karnali FM, has not been able to resume operations. Chairperson of the Community Radio Operators Association Min Bahadur Shahi stated that the FM station would be in operation soon as a new generator is in the pipeline.
The power supply problem has not spared newspapers and magazines either. Publication of Khandachakra daily and Abhibhara weekly was completely halted since the power supply was disrupted. Also seriously hit by the power crunch are the rural folks.
Those living in towns are relying on solar power and generators. But disruption of mobile services is obviously making life more inconvenient. According to chief of the Surkhet branch of Nepal Telecom Purnadev Sapkota, around 15,000 mobile phone users have been affected by the lack of service.
He also stated that new generators would be arranged soon to resume mobile phone services. According to him, landline phones using solar power are however in use.
According to locals, the problem is not genuine but has been deliberately created. They are of the opinion that a third party has been trying to privatize the power project. Consumers have even filed case at the District Development Committee. “Disruption of power amid such a situation cannot be a coincidence,” one local said.
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