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The dearth of 'Masawat', or equality, is often pointed out as the continuing flaw of governance of the state in Pakistan though we miss out on the bits and pieces thereof that the state often imposes by spreading misery as widely as possible. In this noble effort, the private sector also contributes it share.
Clifton was regarded as the abode of the rich. KESC, KWSB and PTCL, therefore, decided that, rather than reduce the miseries of the residents of Layari and Korangi, to set an example of "Masawat" Clifton's Block 4 should be brought at par with them in terms of electricity, water and telecom services supply.
KESC's power supply can be cut anytime for any number of hours. In the past 4 weeks alone, the underground supply cable has been repaired three times. KESC phones (99251419 and 99251420) for lodging complaints either remain busy or are not picked up.
If, by sheer good luck, you get connected to KESC's universal complaint number (118) the respondent is usually clueless about when the supply would be restored. What is baffling is the fact that the repair of all breakdowns takes exact multiples of hours.
The frequency of water supply during the week and its timing depend entirely on the whims of KWSB. To some houses in this block, KWSB's supply is a myth; they haven't received it for several years but the consistency with which they are ignored and the regularity with which they are billed, are admirable.
One spot where the underground supply line has remained damaged for years is the street to the left of the NBP cricket stadium, opposite Abdullah Shah Ghazi's mausoleum; flooding of this street signals resumption of KWSB's water supply along with impurities, courtesy the leak in the underground supply line.
PTCL has one of its huge telephone exchanges in this block. Yet, phones suffer' from unbearable line noise almost every week. PTCL takes its time in responding to user complaints. The lineman comes, fixes the phone lines and within three to four days, it is the same story.
The reality behind this continuing saga is that, two years ago, an underground telephone cable was cut and, instead of being replaced, was 'repaired'. Every time water seeps into it, courtesy KWSB's leaking underground water supply line, telephone lines develop noise.
The top brass of all these utilities has repeatedly been reminded by their customers but, apparently, imposing 'Masawat' in the above style is what they prefer; for monopolies like KESC, KWSB and PTCL, customer satisfaction isn't a priority. Hopefully, the CCoP is listening, if none else is prepared to listen.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2010

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