Helmand power sub-station equipment stolen

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): The equipment of an electricity sub-station worth millions of dollars has been stolen in southern Helmand province, an official said on Monday.

Eng. Wahidullah Alizai, the provincial power utility director, told Pajhwok Afghan News the power sub-station in Dorahi area was robbed of its equipment on Sunday night.

He said electricity from the Kajaki dam was supplied to Helmand and neighbouring Kandahar via the sub-station, which had cost millions of dollars.

As a result, the official added, electricity supply to residents of the two provinces had been cut off.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed the sub-station equipment was stolen after Taliban’s entry into the area.

The source revealed the Taliban had also captured guards of the station and thereby paved the way for stealing its equipment.

However, the Taliban have not yet commented on the stealing. Last night, the militants also seized PD-4 of Lashkargah, the provincial capital.

sa/mud