From Biplab Kr Dey
WILLIAMNAGAR/MAWSYNRAM, July 8: Meghalaya’s power sector has long faced criticism for its slow response to rural grievances, with some villages left without electricity for years due to remote locations or poor infrastructure. However, residents of two isolated villages in East Garo Hills and East Khasi Hills recently saw power restored following a proactive intervention by SAI Computers Limited, the current distribution franchise operator.
The development comes at a time when the company has been facing public scrutiny over allegations of overbilling and erratic supply elsewhere in the state.
Bolmoram Adinggre: End of a four-year wait
In Bolmoram Adinggre, East Garo Hills, nearly 40 families lived in darkness for four years after their distribution transformer failed. The village, falling under the Nongalbibra circle, was previously serviced by FEDCO.Residents claimed that despite repeated appeals to the former service provider, the faulty transformer was never replaced.
The situation changed after SAI Computers Limited took over the circle. Following a site survey and technical assessment, a replacement transformer was arranged. On June 19, the network was energized, officially restoring electricity to the village.
“We had been trying without success to get our transformer repaired. It was torture for us, our children, and the elderly. We are happy that we can finally live normally after four years in pitch darkness,” a resident said.
Rangsohkham: Overcoming terrain challenges
A similar success was reported in Rangsohkham, a remote village near Mawsynram in East Khasi Hills. The village, which consists of 20 families and is a known trekking destination, had been without power for nine months due to a damaged transformer.
The primary obstacle to restoration was the lack of motorable roads. According to company representatives, an initial attempt to transport a new transformer failed because the terrain could not support heavy equipment. Technicians eventually had to walk long distances through inaccessible stretches and manually clear pathways to move the equipment.
The transformer was successfully installed and power was restored on May 18.
“The absence of proper road connectivity, combined with difficult terrain and adverse weather, made it extremely challenging to transport a replacement transformer. We achieved it through persistent effort,” a company official stated.
For the residents of both villages, the restoration of electricity marks an end to prolonged hardship, improving daily life and providing better conditions for students and the elderly.
