Some households of Tshanglajong village under Trong Gewog in Zhemgang have been using electricity from their neighbours’ lines for more than a year now. Although this practice is illegal, villagers say they have no choice since Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) has turned down their request for a separate electric connection on several occasions.
However, the BPC flatly denies this.
The three households constructed houses in the past two years. According to them, they were to receive a new electricity supply from the BPC soon after completing their houses.
They say repeated requests were made to the power officials in Zhemgang for the electricity connection but the service is yet to be rendered.
They also raise concerns over sharing electricity lines with the neighbours, which puts the safety of everyone at risk.
“I do not know who should be held responsible for such lapses, either people or the BPC because no one takes initiative and accept our request. It has been about a year since everything is ready to connect electricity and wires are lying on the ground,” says one of the residents in Tshanglajong village, Tashi.
“We share electricity with our neighbours because we don’t want them to face the plight of not having electricity in their homes. But again it is risky for public safety,” shares another resident, Dhizang.
“Using electricity from the neighbour’s line is a problem and poses high risks because if something goes wrong with the lines, it will be very dangerous. We have dug holes and erected poles but we are yet to receive the line,” says Dawa Dema in a concerned tone.
But the BPC says they have refrained from supplying the power since the households have not carried out wiring and pole installation works properly.
They further say the households have been asked to rectify the works so that they can connect their homes to electricity at the earliest.
But the issue with the power supply doesn’t end here. Despite electrifying the village in 2004, it continues to face erratic power supply. The problem aggravates every monsoon. Its neighbouring Village Zurphai faces a similar fate.
“Power supply remains erratic throughout the year. When we ask the BPC to fix the problem, they agree but never turn up in person. This issue has taken a toll on our lives,” says a resident named Pema Chophel, describing the hardship they have to endure due to irregular electricity supply.
On this, the BPC explains that all electric poles are located in dense forests which impedes them to mend the defunct lines on time.
However, they claim the problem has eased compared to the past.
It seems to provide sustainable electricity to more than 70 households in Tshanglajong and Zurphai villages might take time.
Pema Samdrup, Zhemgang
Edited by Pema Lhaden
