The residents of Bhagat Bala, a remote area of Lower Dir, are facing severe problems due to the lack of electricity pylons and power connections to the remote areas.
Locals told Pakhtun Digital that even in this modern era, the residents of the area are deprived of necessities like electricity poles, due to which the power supply system has become chaotic.
Locals said that due to the lack of poles, electricity wires have been passed through trees and temporary wooden supports, which can cause a major accident at any time. These hanging wires remain a constant threat to human lives, especially during rains and strong winds. The lack of electricity voltage and frequent breakdowns in the area have made life impossible for the people, while despite complaints, no concrete action has been taken by the PESCO department.
The elders and youth of Bhagat Bala have protested vehemently, saying that they are deprived of basic facilities despite paying taxes. They have demanded that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the constituency’s elected Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) immediately visit the area and release funds on an emergency basis for the installation of new electricity poles and the replacement of damaged wires. The local population has warned that if their legitimate demands are not accepted, they will be forced to expand the scope of their protest for their rights.
Local elders said they have submitted written requests to the PESCO office several times, but each time they are turned down on the pretext of “lack of funds”. The public has expressed deep anger against the local MPA and MNA, saying that false promises were made while seeking votes, but after being elected, no one pays attention to this backward area.
Residents of the area have warned that if steel electricity poles are not provided to the area immediately and the wires were not fixed, they will stage a protest sit-in on the Timergara-Peshawar main road and block traffic at Chakdara.
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