Massive power fluctuations have started damaging electric appliances in the metropolis, causing great inconvenience to masses, Business Recorder has learnt. Citizens are suffering huge losses due to electricity loadshedding and fluctuations and the home appliances such as TV, refrigerator, juicer machines, computers, irons and ceiling fans are rendered functionless.
"I have been complaining to the power utility about the power fluctuation for weeks but to no avail, said Hamid-u-Rehman, adding that my refrigerator and TV set have been damaged because of this. He said that we have also been visiting KESC offices for last 15 days but the staff there is not paying any heed to our calls. They give a sole excuse, ie, 'the strike is on'.
He said "I have to pay Rs 5000 to mechanic to get my costly fridge repaired, Shahid added. Officials are claiming to have solved the problem but the problem remains. "We face low voltage in the evening on daily basis. It is difficult to study under the dim light," said Noman, a student of XII Year. He said that he was facing difficulties in the preparation of his intermediate exams.
A resident of Garden said that his refrigerator and ceiling fan were damaged due to power fluctuation. Mohsin, a resident of Shoe Market said that due to this situation, his fridge and TV were damaged completely, causing him a loss of Rs 30000. He said despite several complaints, KESC staff has failed to address the problem. An owner of a workshop for appliances repair in Lea-Market area confirmed that due to electricity problem he has been doing a roaring business, especially for the 15 to 20 days.
A KESC spokesman alleged that miscreants (protesting workers) were creating trouble for the utility and threatening the 'loyal' KESC workers who try to remove electricity faults. He said some pole-mounted transformers (PMTs) which were partially damaged, were causing power fluctuations. He said equipment and copper wire have also been stolen from sub-stations of Lyari, Garden and Mehmoodabad and because of that the area people were facing power fluctuations. Representatives of striking KESC workers have denied such allegations.