On arriving back from Ireland after a great Christmas break, I heard nasty rumours of 16 hour power cuts which suddenly became very real. Now power shortages are quite common in Nepal, but never have they been of this scale before. Last's years' monsoon was light in it's rainfall and left the water levels in the hydro-electric dams very low. This is the reason most cited by politicians.
But in a country with the second richest natural water resources in the world, one can't help but think that mismanagement is a major root of the problem. Also, other hear say will lead you to believe that Nepal exports electricity to India even in the face of a deficit. But who benefits? Others say that Nepal has lost power lines that import this vital necessity from India.
One thing is for certain, without basic infastructure and facilities, which have already caused the closure of many businesses, development will be slow to arrive in Nepal. 4 hours of effective electricity a day really made me appreciate how lucky we are in Ireland, but also fills me with an urge to solve this crippling problem.
Light has yet to be shed on the full story of Nepal's power shortage, and for the moment we will remain in the dark.
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1 comment:
we are very impressed back in ireland that you are aiming to correct this crippling problem for the neplese community! we'll send cormac over with a supply of torches and headlights to be distributed evenly accross nepal.
Ian
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