GARDEZ (SW) – Officials and locals in Paktia claim there is no headway in the multi-million dollar power supply project after over a year of the inauguration.
Taj Mohammad Mangal, member of the provincial council, informed Salam Watandar only two months are left in the execution period of the project. He blamed the local officials at the directorate of water and electricity for not performing their duties efficiently.
The locals have for long been desperately awaiting supply of electricity. Two such residents of Gardez city, Asif and Luqman, are criticizing the local officials for dragging their feet with the project.
However, Mohammad Asif Niazi, director water and electricity, clarified the electricity supply project is in the limbo due to change of three private contracting firms. He acknowledged hundreds of transmission towers and other material have been shifted to Gardez, however, the supply operation remains inactive.
Officials have promised, completion of this project would see 18,000 families receive electricity. It is worth noticing this contract was originally awarded to the Indian firm, Angelek, that later sub-contracted it to Stedkop and eventually to the RCC.
The local business community is equally eager to see electricity reach the city. Abdul Nazeer Aalimyaar, head of the Gardez Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said there are more than 80 industrial units present in Gardez, all facing serious challenges due to lack of electricity.
ENDS