Dhading, September 21:

Locals of Saichap, who have spent all their lives deprived of electricity, have now reasons to smile after the introduction of electricity through solar energy in their loclity.

A villager of the area said, “We used to be delighted to see lights in cities, but now we have electricity in our own homes.” An NGO named Mohoria Self Help Group, with technical and economic support of Shanti Griha, Pulchowk, has installed equipment to produce electricity using solar energy in 31 households of Saichap.

Residents of nearby villages of Saichap have also begun to demand the solar equipment.

Chairman of Mohoria Self Help Group, Tirtha Silwal, said that had used the solar energy for a business purpose, we would have made millions of profits, but our aim was to help in economic and social conditions of poor Dalits in the village, so we distributed all the necessary equipment for free. Saichap village in Benighat VDC-4, lies at a distance of three to four hours from Malekhu. Silwal informed that the solar equipment was distributed as a trial only.

A local, Paan Bahadur Sarki said, “We had to struggle to even buy kerosene to light our lamps. We could not even imagine that we’ll have electricity ever in our village.But now we can hear tape recorders and radios as well.” The Self Help Group, which has been working for people living below the poverty line, has not only helped bring electricity in Saichap, but also has provided drinking water to 40 families in Kot Village in Benighat under Solar Energy Drinking Water Project. Silwal also informed that the group has provided drinking water to 80 Chepang households in Chepang village of Maskharka, Chitwan under Solar Energy Alternative Drinking Water Project. Its like their dreams come true to the locals of Saichap, who have spent all their lives deprived of electricity.