Electricity reaches 450 villages in Jhalokathi

With a difficult geographical location, Jhalokathi, a remote southern district, remained out of electricity coverage for a long due mainly to poor communication systems.

But now the scenario has changed and the residents of around 450 villages under four upazilas of the coastal district are now enjoying electricity, thanks to the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for taking steps to bring the district crisscrossed with rivers under electricity coverage.

“We have seen electricity for the first time. The area had no power supply. The children are happy and would be able to study at ease. It was very difficult for them to live without electricity. They used to study under the burning torch. We are very much thankful to the government for providing us with electricity connections,” said day labourer Md Abdur Razzak Howlader, 40.

He said, “Now we can get electricity by giving deposit money of Taka 400, Taka 1300 for a meter and Taka 2100 for buying materials to get an electricity connection within seven days of application.”

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Kathalia upazila, Md Mizanur Rahman said the people of this region never dreamt of getting electricity connections, but now it has become a reality. The upazila, which is 50 kilometres (KM) away from Jhalakathi zila, celebrated 100 per cent electrification on November 1, 2018. The electricity connection has improved the education system and overall economic condition of the district, he added.

A total of 6 lahks and 82 thousand people have been brought under electricity coverage in the coastal district. Besides REB (Rural Electrification Board), Jhalokathi West Zone Power Distribution Company (WZPDCL) has been providing electrical connections in different villages under Jhalokathi Sadar upazila.