There is really no good news likely to come as far as power failures and Kesc go; in fact the only way out of this crisis for ordinary people is to enhance their levels of cynicism, replenish their reserves of patience, and fortify their inner defences, if that is possible.
What else can be done when the Kesc repeatedly indicates that there is just not available the power that Karachi needs? And if it means anything, Karachi just won't conserve electricity. For that matter, neither will any other place in the country. Bless this society.
There is nothing new about power failures - and indeed I would like to read more than a Kesc failure in this. It is fair to suggest that even Wapda has failed, as Wapda has known all along that Karachi depends on it, but the organisation did nothing ostensibly to meet Karachi's needs. In fact, the country has failed to meet its needs in this sector too and like this power sector failure there are other similar stories in other sectors, too.
But it is the power theme that distracts us here, this time. Once again, for yet another time in over twenty years now (or is it more), I write in some anger that I am one of those who have failed to accept power failures. It is not the power failure that is the cause of anger. It is because I am unable to reconcile to the darkness that the electricity breakdowns bring. Efforts to be cynical and smile prove futile. When the power fails, I sulk, and diverse fears come alive. It makes us wonder whether we are prepared for tomorrow - for the multiple challenges that lie ahead.
How different will summer 2007 be from the summers of the past? Looking backwards into time, in the fifties power failures were rare. And lodging a complaint with the Kesc was possible, and a repair van did come.
In the sixties too, it wasn't so frustrating, except that the frequency of electricity failures grew, and one had to have contacts for getting Kesc to fix a domestic problem. Then in the seventies, Kesc's problems had overflowed onto society and citizens had begun wondering about what the country's planners and decision-makers were doing. And in the mid eighties began our woes that have stayed with us. Now, in 2007 power riots are a real threat.
It has been almost over twenty years now, and the consumers of this now privatised utility still wonder whether anything will seriously be done, for what appears to have been damaged deeply is the credibility of the promises. Karachi's consumers do not trust the decision-makers, and it appears that there is no hope that this summer will be any better than last year. Once again, Kesc has problems with Wapda, which has once again accused the Kesc of not having paid its bills, which makes it impossible to pay the independent power producers it buys electricity from.
The shortage of electricity is hitting not just trade and industry, but also ruining the lives of people in the domestic consumer category. Both electronic and print media visit this theme daily, and underline financial losses and the psychological trauma that people experience when darkness descends in their lives. Statements, promises and assurances from various tiers of power and authority also get prominent space and display.
But what does it all mean in reality.? Even April has been a tough, trying time for the Sindh capital and its harassed, humiliated residents. Those who can afford generators have gone for generators. Those who can afford lesser options (like UPS) have opted for those. Those who could make do with rechargeable lights and torches have bought those. And those who can make do with candles? They bought candles. Which makes me wonder whether they still use those old fashioned lanterns that bring back memories of my school days. But those who can do nothing of the above mentioned options, grapple with darkness. And despair. And disgust. And they are now beginning to show signs of desperation.
I am certain that this is not the last time I am writing about power failures that chase us day in and day out. It is just the beginning of summer and those tormenting summer days of May and June, are yet to come. Also, the monsoon season, which is always a question mark in so many ways for this city. Which reminds me that we have to keep our fingers crossed with regard to the lessons that have been learnt from last year's experience in the rains. For instance, in Clifton, there has been a huge effort by the City District government to improve the storm water drains, and sewerage lines. But we will see. Besides, that is another theme.
On the electricity theme, I found it rather strange (and amusing) that Kesc has been suggesting that the use of airconditoners be curtailed, as it is a cause of power shortages. That is a measure of the organisation's desperation. Like the citizens, it too is getting restless.
Perhaps the most important examinations in the lives of most students are the matriculation exams, and, therefore, it is understandable that reports of boys and girls cheating in them are so common. Not just the print media also but now the electronic media also has reports about how common is this problem, and what measures have been taken by the boards of secondary education to cope with the challenge.
I have been talking to parents and teachers on this subject. Parents ask: what kind of education have the children been given for ten years that they still believe in cheating.? Teachers ask: what kind of upbringing do the kids have at home, that they still believe in cheating?
And students today are not as naïve as they used to be once upon a time. Whether it is because of the information technology or their sixth sense, the students know that the ethical fabric of this society is in shreds. They probably feel that they have been cheated in more way than one, and that the best way out is to cheat their way through the system. They believe that cheating is a must when it comes to their survival.
I hope I am wrong but it surely is worrying - or rather a matter of anxiety that cheating in the examinations - or rather the use of unfair means in almost all examinations is growing - and that Boards of Education, and universities across the country are virtually helpless when dealing with this issue, that continues to erode the education system.
A friend of mine philosophized on this theme: there is so much of cheating in our lives, that cheating at matric examination level is a minor issue. In a society where justice is at times so elusive, a school boy's cheating is surely forgivable.
And Mr Doubt had this to say when we met this week: "When Sally saw the tombstone with the inscription "here lies the body of a politician and an honest man" she wondered how they managed to get two people into the same grave.
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