Residents suffer due to faulty electricity cables

Anees Takar

MARDAN: Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) faulty power lines in the Zafarkhel area of Bakhshali Mardan encompassing PK-55 and NA-22 constituencies have led to daily incidents of electrical surges, causing significant damage to residents’ electronic appliances. Despite continuous complaints from the public expired power lines remain unchanged.

The worn-out condition of the four power lines passing through transformers has resulted in frequent breakdowns, leading to sudden voltage spikes. As a result, household electronics such as heaters, lights, water pumps, refrigerators, and washing machines are being damaged. Residents of Bakhshali expressed frustration and stated that this ongoing issue has caused them significant financial losses over time with no permanent solution from the authorities.

According to WAPDA officials, the unavailability of a sufficient quantity of power lines hinders their replacement in Bakhshali. If an estimate is made for the replacement of these lines, it will take at least three months to complete the process of changing power lines according to routine procedures.

A staff member of WAPDA mentioned that if any individual from the public obtains the required four line spindles from the MNA or MPA then we can proceed with the replacement. However, it is noteworthy that these power lines have never been replaced before, despite repeated incidents of high voltage surges damaging valuable belongings of the residents. Several residents have incurred substantial losses due to high voltage surges, with their valuable appliances being rendered useless.

Ishtiaq Ahmad appealed to WAPDA and higher authorities to expedite the replacement of all faulty power lines to prevent future financial and material losses. He emphasized that if any further losses occur, the responsibility will lie solely with WAPDA and they will protest within the bounds of the law.

Mohammad Naris, a resident, highlighted the lack of action from elected representatives Atif Khan and Mujahid Khan, who are affiliated with PTI at the provincial and national levels. Despite attempts to raise the issue with them, no concrete steps have been taken for its resolution. Naris lamented the recurring incidents of high voltage surges which continue to damage their valuable belongings without any accountability or solution from the authorities.