Power outages irk Pindiites

Rawalpindi:Power shutdowns of up to 8 to 10 hours every second day in all areas of the city and cantonment board areas have not only affected routine life of citizens but also damaging all business activities of electricians, welders, mechanics, barbers, service stations etc., thanks to Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) for continuing annual maintenance work for over six months.

The working at all allied hospitals and government offices including commissioner office, deputy commissioner office, Metropolitan Corporation office, RDA office, PHA office, Solid Waste Management office, RCB office, CCB office has also been affected due to the shutdowns. Most of them are using generators for work.

Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) Personal Secretary to Chief Officer Muhammad Ishtiaq told ‘The News’ that they continue maintenance work in winter season. “We are trying to provide uninterrupted power supply to our consumers but maintenance work is necessary,” he added. He said that Iesco has hired labour for cutting unnecessary trees that are creating hurdles in power supply. “Maintenance work will continue during December and January as well,” he said.

On the other hand the residents of affected areas also face worst water shortage during long hours of power shutdowns every second day. Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is also facing difficulties in sending water tankers to citizens due to prolonged power shutdowns. WASA spokesman Umar Farooq said that they could not do anything without electricity. “We face difficulties in water supply to consumers including sending water tankers due to power shutdowns,” he added.