Rain exposes poor electricity supply system in twin cities

Rawalpindi : The rain in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad has exposed the power supply system as Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has failed to ensure smooth supply of electricity as 63 power feeders tripped disrupting electricity supply in many areas.

Over 80 per cent of consumers of the city have been continuously facing prolonged power blackouts. The consumers of Gulistan Colony areas on Tuesday faced 6 hours power blackout, the consumers of Adiala Sub Division faced 10 hours power blackout, the consumers of Misriyal Road and Chakra areas faced 7 hours of power blackout and the majority of consumers facing a continuous power blackout till the filing of this report.

The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Muhammad Amjad Khan told ‘The News’ that affected consumers should directly call him on the telephone number of 0305-8880893, he will resolve their issue immediately. “Some of power supply feeders have tripped due to heavy rainfall. Field staff was continuously working to restore power supply in all areas,” he assured.

Some three weeks back, Prime Minister Imran Khan had changed former Iesco Chief Chaudhry Abdul Razaaq due to poor performance. But, the situation was yet to improve because consumers of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are facing prolonged power blackouts during hot and humid weather.

The residents of Committee Chowk, Asghar Mall, Adiala Road, Al-Mumtaz Colony, Lalazar, Bakramandi, Tariqabad, Lalkurti, Dheri Hasanabad, Dhamyal, Rawat, Gulistan Colony, Dhoke Juma, Waris Khan, Morgah, Dhoke Kala Khan, Sadiqabad, Muslim Town, Chandni Chowk, Mareer Hasan, Tahli Mohri, Scheme No-III, Defense Road, Soan, Misriyal, Chakra, Mohalla Naik Alam, Hill View Lane, Mubarak Lane, Range Road, Tehmasabad, and several other localities faced not only long hours of power outages but also worst water shortage. All filtration plants were also not functioning during power outages.

Some key post officers from Iesco on condition of anonymity told ‘The News’ that the department was facing a shortage of staff and shortage of facilities therefore consumers were facing difficulties in power supply in all areas.

The affected consumers have appealed to Prime Minister Imran Khan to take notice of disruption in power supply. Every year in winter, Iesco observes 8 to 12 hours power shutdowns for the purpose of maintenance work. “What kind of maintenance Iesco is doing in winter because consumers are facing 6 to 12 hours power blackouts even in normal rains, the consumers denounced.