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With electricity reaching Saigha, an area under Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City–19, there has been a significant change in the daily lives of local residents. People who had been living in darkness for years are now excited as electric lights have started illuminating their homes.

According to local resident Dhan Bahadur Sarki of Saigha Boldi, electricity was connected to his home only about a month ago. “Earlier, we had to live in darkness, and children had to study relying on oil lamps or solar power,” he said. “Now, having electric light at home has made life much easier.”

The compulsion to travel about half an hour just to charge mobile phones has now ended. He also shared that the lack of lighting used to create serious problems during nighttime illnesses. “I still clearly remember bringing a solar light from Ghorahi market when someone fell sick,” he recalled.

Locals say that the absence of electricity had made it difficult to operate small and cottage industries. Activities such as milling, tailoring, computer services, and welding were not possible. However, with electricity now available, opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship are beginning to grow within the village. According to them, an environment is gradually being created for youth to do something productive locally.

Ward Chairperson Gyan Bahadur Rayamajhi said that efforts are underway to expand electricity services across the ward. “After the elections, electrification work began in 2022 with an investment of Rs. 36.7 million,” he stated.

He added that although earlier attempts had not been successful, the project was resumed through a new contract process toward the end of 2023. However, delays by the contractor have prevented the project from progressing as expected.

At present, electricity has reached many settlements in Saigha, but areas such as Lithan, Satam, Dandagau, Panchpokhari, and Dhanchaur are yet to be connected. Ward Chairperson Rayamajhi said pressure is being applied to complete the work in those areas as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, local residents have emphasized the need to focus not only on electricity but also on the development of other basic infrastructure such as roads, drinking water, healthcare, and education.

Jalasarokar