LAKKI MARWAT: The owners of private irrigation tubewells have urged the district government to use its influence for fixing a flat electricity rates for tubewells used for agriculture purposes in the district.

During a meeting with district nazim Ishfaq Ahmad here on Tuesday, Jehangir Khan, a representative of the association of owners of private irrigation tubewells, said that the high power tariff for irrigation tubewells had been creating problems for the farmers.

He claimed that per unit rate for tubewells sunl< for agriculture purpose had been increased from Rs3.80 to Rs11.50.

Another office-bearer, Mohammad Yousaf, said that different taxes, including general sales tax, income tax, surcharge and others, had been included in the power bills of irrigation tubewells, which was a great injustice with the farmers.

He complained that the government had also withdrawn subsidy on the power bills of irrigation tubewells.

Pesco executive engineer Nadir Zaman and district councillors from Tajazai, Wanda Shahabkhel and Bakhmal Ahmadzai were also present on the occasion.

The association leaders demanded privileges like those extended to the growers and irrigation tubewell owners by the Balochistan government.

They also demanded of the government to exempt the tubewells from loadshedding.

On this occasion, the Pesco executive engineer said that the electricityrelated problems being faced by the farmers would be resolved on priority.

He said that the demands of the owners of irrigation tubewells would be forwarded to the authorities for necessary action.

Mr Ishfaq said that he would also approach the authorities concerned to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the irrigation tubewells.