Residents deprived of electricity amid Taliban – government rift

KANDAHAR (SW) – In a desperate tit-for-tat move, the Taliban and local administration in Kandahar and Helmand provinces have cut electricity supplies in each other’s opposite areas of control.

The Taliban cut power supplies for residents in areas under the control of the government after the local administration refused their calls to increase water outflow from Kajaki Dam. The rebels also abducted seven employees of the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat who were trying to resume electricity supply to residents in Helmand’s Sangin district.

In reply, the government reportedly cut power supplies to residents living in areas under the influence of the Taliban.

Aziz Ahmad Aziz, head of press and publication office in Kandahar province, told Salam Watandar the Taliban demanded DABS to increase electricity supply as well as water supplies from Kajaki Dam in to areas under their control. He said when the government declined this demand of the rebels, they cut electricity supplies in Kandahar and Helmand provinces.

He acknowledged the provincial administrations in Kandahar and Helmand responded with similar measures.

 A resident of Kandahar, Syed Ahmad, told SW residents of both the provinces are living in unbearable hot temperatures, and the warring sides should avoid causing further problems for them.

Amanullah Ayub, head of DABS in Kandahar, said talks are underway with the Taliban to resolve the crisis.

 Kandahar city has a daily demand of up to 150 MW of electricity, 20 MW of which is imported from Helmand while the rest is produced locally with the furnace oil.

ENDS