Bhola, Nepal

Previously there was no light or electricity in Khandbari. First, power came from Yowa Khola. I was only little when it first came. Then there was some from Piluwa Khola Hydroelectric Power in about 2003. Then later there were many lines – they took electricity from Hewa Khola and also connected us to the main National Grid.

 

Then at last power came even to my village and it made life so much simpler. It was so much easier to work. Once we had access to more electricity in Khandbari, we had things like water pressure bike cleaners, photocopying, television and all kinds of electric goods. Now the government is talking about a big Arun hydroelectricity project, in which case we will have even more electricity. But there is one big problem here with this in Nepal. There are very strong destructive winds here. There are enormous storms. People have to walk a great deal and on the road sometimes two lines cross and it rains very hard and the water cuts the power or sometimes a pole falls. Not everybody knows about the dangers of electricity and people die.

 

Bhola Lohorung Rai

Photo Shop Manager, Khandbari

 

© Bhola Rai/ ODI / PhotoVoice

 

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