KARACHI, April 14: Residents of various localities and shopping centres on Saturday complained of prolonged power failures in their areas and criticised the management of Karachi Electric Supply Corporation for doing little to ensure smooth supply of electricity.

However, the KESC spokesman said the situation had improved as the power utility was facing 120-160 megawatt shortfall.

Residents of Defence Phase-VII Khayaban-i-Ittehad and Defence Block-4 said power supply to the areas remained suspended for half day and KESC staff did not respond on the help line No 118.

A complainant from Clifton Block-4 said power suspension had made the lives of consumers miserable, saying that it goes off for seven to eight hours.

A consumer from Sher Shah said power supply to the locality was suspended at 7am and was restored at 3pm. People were suffering due to the prolonged breakdowns, he said adding that KESC officials were not serious to solve the problem until people take to streets.

Power complaints were also received from Gulshan-i-Iqbal Blocks 2, 4, 12 and 14, North Nazimabad, Federal B Area Blocks 7, 12, 17 , Agra Taj Colony, Hassan Square, Karsaz, Punjab Colony, Empress Market, Malir, Landhi, Gulistan-i-Jauhar Blocks 17 and 19, Dr Ziauddin Ahmed Road, I.I. Chundriggar Road, Dastagir, Sohrab Goth, Orangi Town and Qasba Colony, Jamia Cloth, Arambagh and Light House.

The KESC spokesman, when contacted, said the situation had improved as the power shortfall remained 120megawatt at day time and 160 megawatt in the evening.