POL-E KHOMRI (SW) – Thousands of Baghlan residents in Doshi district remain deprived of electricity amid harsh weather conditions.
For years, residents of “Kilagi, Qordaka, Sang Sorakh, Nawabad, and Dahana-e Larkhab” in Doshi district of the province have relied on solar energy to meet some of their needs; however, in winter, they face power shortages due to insufficient sunlight.
Sebghatullah, a resident of Nawabad village, said that the lack of access to electricity presents a serious challenge for the villagers. “For several years, power lines have passed through various areas, causing significant damage to the people, yet the villagers remain without electricity. No one here has electricity in their homes,” he added.
Some residents of Kilagi village, also highlighted the severe impact of the lack of electricity on their daily lives and activities. Baz Mohammad said: “This village is an important agricultural hub in Baghlan, with the majority of Doshi district’s population living here. It connects 9 Northern provinces to the center, but unfortunately, the people here still lack electricity and face many difficulties.”
Mubin Khan Safi, another resident of Kilagi calls on the de-facto government officials to address the issue of power shortages. “The residents are calling on the Islamic Emirate to address these problems.”
Shams Al-Rahman, a local elder of the village, explained that the lack of imported electricity has forced them to rely on solar energy, which is insufficient for their needs. “Kilagi is a large village consisting of 12 councils, with between 600 to 1,700 families living here. The total number of Kilagi’s population reaches to 41,000 people. There are transit roads on both sides of the village, yet the people still lack electricity. They use solar power only for lighting their homes,” he said.
Sardar Wali Hamza, head of the Breshna Sherkat (the national electricity company) in Baghlan, acknowledged the villagers’ challenges, however, said they currently lack the capacity to supply imported electricity to these areas. “I am aware; the project started during the Republic in 2018. Power transmission poles have been put in the places, and six power transformers are available in our factory. We lacked a source to supply electricity to them. We have requested a 16-megawatt power transformer, which is in Kar Kar, and the work on it is progressing. Once a source is found, we will provide electricity. It might be possible, but it’s not certain,” he explained.
Access to reliable imported electricity remains a significant challenge for many citizens. However, officials at Afghanistan’s national power company, the Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), have repeatedly pledged to address this issue.
