Worst 10-Hour Loadshedding Begins in Quetta as Cold Weather Sets In; Government Helpless Before KESC’s Arbitrary Actions
QUETTA (Daily Quadrat Quetta) — Complaints have begun to surface about an increase in unannounced power loadshedding in various areas of the provincial capital Quetta as the weather turns cold, with claims that the duration of power outages in several areas has reached 8 to 10 hours daily, causing severe difficulties for citizens. Citizens have demanded that KESC authorities immediately end unannounced loadshedding and clarify the power supply schedule.
According to details, unannounced loadshedding by KESC is allegedly continuing in various areas of Quetta city. According to citizens, power outages have increased with the onset of cold weather, and in some areas electricity remains absent for hours at a time. Citizens say the long power outages have badly affected daily routines, and in the cold weather the lack of electricity is causing difficulties for domestic consumers, especially children, the elderly and women.
According to sources and citizens, the duration of unannounced loadshedding in various areas including Huda, Manojan Road, Killi Allah Abad, Spini Road, Brewery Road, Joint Road, Railway Housing Society Arbab Karam Khan Road and Sariab Road has reached 8 to 10 hours. Citizens say that in some areas electricity is cut several times at different times of the day, leaving consumers unable to know when power will be restored and when it will be cut again. Complaints of power outages are also emerging in other areas of Quetta city. According to residents of Double Road, Surki Road, Kansi Road, Makani Road, Suraj Ganj Bazaar and adjacent areas, they too are facing long-duration unannounced loadshedding. Citizens say the constant power cuts are also affecting business activity, and small shopkeepers, traders and other businesspeople are facing difficulties.
Speaking to this correspondent, citizen Muhammad Jan Zaib Mengal said KESC has increased power cuts as soon as the cold weather began. He said that on one hand the weather has turned cold and on the other the long power outages have further increased citizens’ problems. According to him, if loadshedding is being carried out due to a technical fault or for system improvement, consumers should be informed through a proper schedule, but unannounced and prolonged outages are a matter of concern.
Another citizen, Ilyas Kashmiri, said the hot season is over and winter has begun, yet instead of decreasing, power loadshedding is seen to be increasing. He said citizens are already facing various difficulties in the cold weather and the long power outages are further affecting domestic life. He said the lack of electricity is affecting routine household work as well as small businesses and shops. Citizens demanded that KESC authorities issue a clear area-wise loadshedding schedule and end the series of unannounced power cuts.
Quetta resident Sardar Asghar Dukhsani said that every year in the hot and cold seasons KESC increases loadshedding in the name of maintenance. According to him, cutting additional electricity beyond the stipulated duration for maintenance has become routine, causing severe anxiety among citizens. He said that if repair or maintenance of the power system is necessary, it should be completed under proper planning and consumers should be informed in advance so that citizens can arrange their daily routines accordingly. Unannounced loadshedding affects not only domestic consumers but also the business community.
According to citizens, electricity is important in many ways during the cold season, but constant power cuts are increasing difficulties in homes. In some areas, during power outages citizens are forced to use alternative means, which is also increasing their expenses. Citizens further said the problem of power supply in Quetta is not new, but the increase in the duration of loadshedding as soon as the weather changes is a cause for concern. They said KESC authorities should better manage electricity demand, the transmission system and maintenance matters so that consumers do not face unjustified long outages. Citizens have demanded that KESC’s senior officials take immediate notice of the unannounced loadshedding in the affected areas of Quetta, end the alleged long outages lasting 8 to 10 hours, and issue an advance schedule if power has to be cut in any area due to repair or maintenance. On the other hand, KESC’s alleged 8 to 10 hours of unannounced loadshedding continues in the said areas.
