Residents of Langchenphu, Lauri, and Serthig Gewogs under Jomotshangkha Dungkhag are often affected by erratic power supply.
Just recently, the dungkhag was without electricity for seven straight days. However the power was restored yesterday.
Villagers said sometimes power blackout lasts for a month which hampers the functioning of public offices, banks and other important institutions. The hardest hit is the grade one Basic Health Unit(BHU) in the locality.
BHU’s staff are unable to help the patients since electric generator is also not much of a help. The neediest service for the patients especially women is the ultrasound facility. Around 25 expecting mothers who are scheduled for their ultrasound appointment last week have not been able to get the service.
“We really can’t help as the generator is small to operate the ultrasound machine. We do have back-up electricity from Assam but it’s unreliable,” said Dr. Narayan Rizal of Jomotshangkha BHU, adding that the erratic power supply might damage the machine.
Locals said in such times, they do not mind going to neighboring Indian states to do sonogram but ad hoc strikes along the Assam highway is life threatening.
“Sometimes there are strikes on the way and this is risky for patients and their attendants,” said Lhadrup Dorji, a resident.
People in Jomotshang are highly frustrated with the frequent power cuts.
“During rainy season, electricity is down often. Sometimes we have to remain in dark for months and we have been facing this problem since long time back,” added another resident, Tashi Wangdi.
Bhutan Power Corporation officials said heavy downpour and strong wind delayed the restoration works of power lines. They further went on saying that since power transmission cables are installed in places without road connectivity, they have to wade across the swollen rivers and trekked through dense forests.
