April 07, 2008	Monday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 29, 1429

VEHARI, April 6: Dozens of electricity metres and at least five transformers were burnt in various subdivisions of Multan Electric Power Company’s Vehari Circle during the last two days of heavy rains, and distribution of electricity in several Vehari, Mailsi and Burewala urban and rural areas was still disrupted.

Mepco officials told Dawn that the worst-hit localities were Muslim Town, Danewal Town, 9-11/WB, Sharqi Colony, College Town, C-Block and People’s Colony in Vehari city. They said that five transformers were burnt in Muslim Town, 9-11/WB, C-Block and Sharqi Colony localities due to voltage fluctuation and poor insulation in severe rains.

The electricity in these areas was yet to be restored despite the passage of over 24 hours till the filling of this report on Sunday.

An official of Faisal Town subdivision said that over two dozens consumers had applied for replacement of their meters burnt during the last two days.

Vehari Circle executive engineer Ishfaq told Dawn that Mepco officials were struggling to restore electricity in the affected areas. He said that continuous rains hampered the restoration work.

However, he said, the electricity would be restored soon after replacement of burnt transformers, possibly in next 24 hours. He also said that burnt metres would be replaced free of cost.