By Tony Sharpe | Project Leader
Dear Friends and Supporters
My apologies for appearing to repeat myself but Covid 19 continues to dominate and control life in this remote part of the world. The Indian variant has forced a complete lock down and Humla is closed to all non-essential travel. However, it is very difficult to enforce when the main method of transport is by foot and many people are desperate to return to their homes in the hills. The government have stepped up controls and medical resources but these are generally only in the main centres and not in the remote villages. The Nepal Trust continues to provide help and support to the government through its HEAL programme. An additional problem has been very unusual and late winter storms that have closed access to the higher villages and mountain passes. Probably a consequence of climate change that is now becoming very evident in the Himalayas.
Our renewable energy programme struggles to compete with the issues and problems created by Covid and our implementing partner LIDS is finding it difficult to attract business. Several other local initiatives have appeared on the scene and attract some business which makes it very difficult for LIDS to fully establish itself. However it can be argued that this development will have a positive impact as stimulating competition will help to develop and expand renewable energy services and be good for the environment.
The Nepal Trust has been in discussion with LIDS to find a way around their current difficulties. A reduced affordable rent has been agreed with them and all outstanding tools and equipment have now been supplied and installed. Two Technicians have been recruited. Anticipated plans and business have been badly affected by Covid and unseasonal weather but are broadly on course to fulfill our objectives as lock downs and daily life improve.
Businesses around the world are struggling to survive during the pandemic. The remote Himalaya is not unusual in this respect but it has many other problems due to its remoteness which add fresh problems that need to be worked out. The Service Centre is a great idea that has come in time and will bring new prosperity to these hardy mountain people and be good for the planet. New power schemes are popping up all the time that will need maintenance. The Nepal Trust alone has built 7 micro-hydro schemes and 11 Solar Energy projects; all will need maintenance and the Service Centre is designed to provide that skill and knowledge.
Many thanks for all your help and support and we hope you can stay with us to the finishing line. Please tell your friends or anyone you think can help. It's a hard life in the Hidden Himalayas and renewable energy makes a huge difference!
Namaste
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