Islamabad, Aug 24 (IANS) Residents in Lahore in Pakistan's Punjab province have been facing difficulties due to power tripping, scheduled and unscheduled load shedding, local media reported on Monday.
A resident complained that they have been facing the worst power tripping and unscheduled load shedding for the past couple of days, particularly during the evening and night hours. However, the resident said that the electricity distribution firm has not been paying attention to the complaints of the consumers despite hot and humid weather, Pakistan-based daily Dawn reported.
"Besides, scheduled load shedding for a couple of hours and power shutdowns for over six hours, on the pretext of ‘maintenance’ on every Sunday, are also being observed. Previously, such shutdowns used to be observed on any working day,” the resident said, criticising the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) administration for taking the "least interest in resolving the issues being faced by the consumers."
Another resident termed the consumer service of LESCO "pathetic and said that power outages have been continuing for the past few days, causing damage to electric home appliances, leading Pakistani daily Dawn reported.
Load shedding, tripping and the electricity-related issues have been reported in various parts of Lahore, including Old Anarkali, Rehmanpura, Gulberg, Multan Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Johar Town and Ichhra, Chuburji.
In July, official work, online systems and public services at education offices in Pakistan's Sindh province faced disruption due to prolonged power outages for nearly three weeks, despite officials claiming that all electricity bills have been paid and repeated complaints have been made to K-Electric, local media reported.
The power outages had impacted the offices of the Directorate General Colleges Sindh, Regional Directorate Government Colleges Sindh, Directorate General Private Institutions Sindh and Regional Directorate Private Schools Karachi, where routine work was disrupted due to hours-long load-shedding during office timings, Pakistan-based another daily, The Express Tribune, reported.
Officials said the power outages had disrupted computer-related work, internet connectivity and printing facilities, impacting online registration of private schools, issuance of computerised certifications, complaint handling and issues about admissions in government colleges.
The most affected office is the Directorate of Inspection and Registration of Private Institutions on Burns Road, where employees faced difficulties in continuing daily operations amid repeated power outages.
Deputy Director Inspections said the power outages had affected modern online office systems, as computer, internet and printing facilities did not work during power cuts, preventing officials from carrying out daily government work. He further said that all electricity bills have been paid and complaints have been made with K-Electric. However, he said that no effective measures have been taken so far.
--IANS
akl/sd/
