12 July 2004	Monday	23 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1425

FAISALABAD, July 11: Frequent power breakdowns and tripping have been continuing in almost all commercial, residential and industrial areas of the city for the last one week despite a number of protests and threats of strike by traders.

Citizens have complained that power breakdowns have been damaging their electric appliances especially computers, refrigerators, air-conditioners and TV sets. Complaints of power suspensions have been lodged with the Fesco officials, but no step has been taken by the authorities concerned to tackle the situation.

They further claim that patients in hospitals and clinics, students, children and aged persons are facing hardships. Similarly, the traders and shopkeepers particularly belonging to internal and covered markets denounce the Fesco officials for their failure to ensure smooth power supply.

They threaten to observe strike and stage protest rallies if the Fesco officials fail to arrest the trend of tripping and breakdowns within the next 48 hours. They claim that they are suffering huge financial losses.

Industrialists and owners of cottage industries have also been facing serious difficulties in running their factories and units because of prolonged power breakdowns.

At least 10 to 15 tripping and breakdowns in 24 hours have become a routine practice in all city localities. A Fesco spokesman claims that consumers have been using almost three to four times extra electricity, causing frequent breakdowns and tripping.