MIRPURKHAS, May 3: Frequent power outages have paralysed the civic life and badly affected business activities along with disruption of water supply in Mirpurkhas and Umerkot district.

Hesco Mirpurkhas Division supplies power to its consumers just for few hours in the two districts while remaining off intermittently for up to six hours in the night. Old and sick people, children and women all spend sleepless nights.

On the other hand people are compelled to fetch drinking water from far- flung areas as power outages keep suspended the supply from reservoirs. Flour is not available at chakkis and shops due to non-grinding of wheat. Emergency operations in Mirpurkhas and Umerkot hospitals are being postponed.

President Mirpurkhas Chamber of Commerce and Industry Abdul Khaliq Khan expressed concern over frequent power failures which have affected daily business and production.

He said despite complaints, Hesco officials do not pay heed to resolve power crisis.

He demanded the Chairman Wapda and Chief Executive Hesco to take notice of unannounced power outages in Mirpurkhas and Umerkot and end unannounced load-shedding without delay.

Angry people have started protesting against power suspension. They block main roads and burn tyres. Protest demonstrations are held in Samaro, Umerkot, Jhuddo, Mirpurkhas, and Kot Ghulam Mohammad against Hesco officials. Angry mob tried to attack Hesco offices but police prevented them from doing it.