BHUTAN TODAY The New Perspective
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Sonam Deki
The remote village of Garsabi, situated under Rebati Chiwog and located nearly 15 km away from Panbang town, witnessed a historic moment as it received power supply for the first time on January 4, 2024. This significant development marks the beginning of a new era for the villagers, bringing them into the fold of modern amenities and improved living standards, akin to their counterparts in other areas.
Despite being a village with only two households, Garsabi has now joined the growing list of electrified communities, symbolizing the inclusivity of development initiatives.
Jamtsho, a 40-year-old resident, expressed profound joy and gratitude, stating, “We are truly delighted and thankful to the Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) for bringing light into our lives. We are hopeful that this electrification will significantly ease many of our daily tasks. In our household, both my 70-year-old father and 55-year-old mother share in this newfound convenience and comfort.”
Likewise, another resident, Sangay, aged 65, shared, “Previously, we relied on solar power provided by the gewog. Now, having access to regular electricity, we are genuinely overjoyed and express our heartfelt gratitude for the thoughtful consideration, especially considering our village comprises only two households. We feel a sense of inclusion and appreciate not being overlooked.”
Panbang Gup said, “The absence of power supply in this remote location was primarily due to its geographical remoteness and lack of road access, significantly impacting the transportation of machinery and equipment. Furthermore, the limited number of households in the village resulted in a lack of prioritization in the past. Despite the existence of a proper road now, providing electricity to this area became a reality, emphasizing the principle of equality among all residents. Originally scheduled for completion in 2022, the lack of proper transportation infrastructure hindered the project.”
He continued, “While having electricity is a significant step forward, it’s not the sole solution. The village encounters power issues during the summer, and transformers often suffer damage in heavy rain. Transporting these transformers to the village is a cumbersome task, but we are committed to providing swift support whenever inconveniences arise. Additionally, it’s crucial to address the pressing need for a road in this village, and our ongoing efforts are directed towards fulfilling this essential requirement.”
The Gewog administration expressed gratitude for the proactive efforts of the Panbang Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) manager and his dedicated team, acknowledging their commitment to translating words into action.
The personnel from the Bhutan Power Corporation’s Electrification System Service Division (ESSD) in Panbang explained, “The execution of this project commenced in the year 2022 and has continued to the present date. The initiative was undertaken by the Electrification Division (ED) group at the BPC head office. Initially, the area lacked electrification due to its sparse population, and even if lighting installations were present, there would have been minimal power consumption. Presently, with two households and the prospect of another soon, this electrification effort addresses the evolving needs of the community. However, material transportation poses a significant challenge, given the uphill terrain that necessitates walking, consuming considerable time due to the absence of a proper road.
Despite the logistical complexities associated with servicing just two households, such as meter readings, our commitment aligns with the broader vision and mission of electrifying all areas currently without access to power.
