Letters To My Precious Mother... (6)

Sidr Trees of Dammaj

Alhamdulillaah… the batteries were revied temporarily which means we will be having water and electricity until we make alternative arrangements... Phew! What a relief! We were also informed that a brother from Al-Hind (India) had purchased a large motor to supply electricity for the larger part of the day.. that was news to rejoice.. Alhamdulillaah… this means we will have electricity insha-Allaah from the first Adhan until around 6 am., thereafer from 8 to 12:00 noon.. the next shift would be from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30p.m. Wow! This was good news indeed to the locals and the foreigners alike.. Hmm.. we could use our electric appliances,, may be run a refrigerator for 6 hours a day…relax under the fan (may be)!! Smile! This is the first time ever such a project was initiated. We were thrilled to see the electricity polls and meters fixed too.. Those who could afford had already got the wiring and meters fixed to their homes… waiting anxiously for the inauguration!!

Dammaj has natural underground springs and Allaah has blessed this valley with ample water. Alhamdulillaah. It is just that very few have the necessary pipes connected to their homes from the springs to get regular supply of water. If one is able to afford an overhead water tank with a sump and a motor to pump the water up, then there is sufficient regular water supply, bi’ithinllaahi.

Those who cannot afford direct water supply to their homes have to fetch water in ‘the Dammaji car’, which is a unique mode of transport found only in this valley… this vehicle needs no petrol or diesel but muscle power.. lol! It is a common sight to see men folk and children use 'the Dammaji car' to fetch groceries (substitute for fancy supermarket carts), mode of transport for kids, use it for whatever purpose this wheel barrow may serve. Alhamdulillaah! Usually there is one common wheelbarrow shared amongst a few house holds. How creative!!! 

 To be continued bi’ithnillaahi…