Load-shedding hits Zhob city; severe anger prevails among the consumers

Rafiullah Mandokhail

ZHOB: “The prolonged power disconnection has multiplied the miseries of people here manifold and the horrific load-shedding has also crippled the commercial activities in Zhob district, one of the populous districts in Balochistan,” said Abdul Rehman Sherani, president Pashtoon Action Committee.

He said every year the arrival of chilly winter is marked here with massive power outage, as the city and the surrounding areas face 18 hours of load-shedding on daily basis. The intensified power cuts compelling people to take to the streets as severe anger prevailed among the consumers against QESCO officials. The consumers are facing mental stress due to continuous load-shedding. He said.

“The provincial government and authorities concerned are completely failed to overcome the problem of power suspension in urban and rural parts of the district. Low voltage, frequent tripping and voltage fluctuation have added to the miseries of consumers marred by outages,” he lamented.

Mover, he said heavy electricity bills were also being sent to the consumers. On the other hand the installation of new eclectic meters was aimed at sucking the blood of poor consumers.

He demanded of the elected representatives to take some immediate steps to resolve the problem and rectify the situation.

It is to be mentioned that three years back, due to unbridled power outages, the consumers in a large number went berserk, staged protest demonstration and gave a good thrash to QESCO officials. Hundreds of vexing residents of Mandokhail belt connected with rural and express feeders losing their patience, gathered in front-of the grid station against prolonged power suspension and low voltage in their respective villages.