Chowrangi

Karachi, and her people, are vicitims of power breakdowns in every summer. Starting from May, the load shedding reach to its peak in june. With mercury rising and humidity levels increasing, Karachites have to work, and sleep without electricity, thanks to the KESC.

The list for possible causes of power break downs goes from lack of power distribution infrastructure, old equipment, line-losses, inefficient staff, to rift in administration itself. Once an institution of repute, KESC got corrupted with rapid industrialization of the city. With money flowing in from every nook and corner, and people investing in property and infrastructure, KESC became a gold mine. It’s employees became billionaire by providing illegal connections (kundas) across the megapolis.

The gap between power demand and supply widened with expansion of the city and eventually consumers’ started to have power breakdowns. Ironically, a breakdown has no effect on monthly electricity bill. It seems that electricity meter keeps ticking even if there is no light open in a facility.

Power break downs have worsened this year. Initially KESC blamed WAPDA for it. Later it took stand that there is no load shedding in Karachi. Inspite of political statements and bureaucratic presentations, Karachi is still suffering.

Increase in power break down has also raised the sales of UPS and Generators. On the other hand, power break downs have caused mass depression and frustration. People are on streets protesting by burning tyres, damaging property and pelting stones at the police.

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• Musharraf Restores Sindh High Court Judiciary: Big Blow to Lawyers' Movement and PML-N - August 6th, 2008
• Release Dr. Aafia Siddiqui - August 6th, 2008
• Aafia Siddiqui: Another Daughter of Pakistan Sold to Americans - August 5th, 2008
• Where is Nayyar Zaidi and What He Has Really Done? - August 5th, 2008
• Dubai to launch Water Taxis to fight Traffic Congestion - August 4th, 2008
• Pakistan's Growing List of Ambassadors at-large - August 1st, 2008
• Ivory Coast Halves Government Pay To Cut Fuel Prices - July 31st, 2008