Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku claimed on Tuesday that there is no load-shedding in rural areas.
He explained that the occasional absence of electricity in villages is due to extensive length of Palli Bidyut (Rural Electrification) lines; when a fault occurs, identifying and repairing it takes time.
“What happens is due to the long Palli Bidyut lines. Because if there is a fault, it takes time to find and repair it. That is why the power does not come. Once the line is fixed, the electricity returns,” Tuku said.
He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after Deputy Commissioners (DC) Conference held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
Tuku thanked the deputy commissioners for their positive role during the recent “artificial” fuel crisis.
He described load-shedding as a “temporary problem,” asserting that the country’s current production capacity is sufficient to overcome the issue. Tuku did not provide any guarantee regarding whether there would be load-shedding as the summer heat increases.
Addressing the issue of capacity charges, he noted that discussions were held and a solution would be forthcoming.
Tuku further said there has never been an oil shortage in the country, nor is there one now, and power crises are not caused by oil shortages. He warned that those responsible for creating the artificial fuel crisis would soon be brought to justice.
Tuku informed that funds have been allocated to deputy commissioners to implement plans for power generation via solar panels. He instructed the officials to complete the work within the next two to three months.
