VEHARI, Oct 4: Around 4,000 applications for installation of new electricity connections and replacement of defected meters are pending with the Multan Electric Supply Company’s Vehari circle apparently owing to non-availability of new meters, but the locals have alleged that some Mepco officials promptly provide meters to those applicants who bribe them heavily.

Talking to Dawn, some applicants said their cases were being deferred for the past five months for want of new meters.

Muhamad Jamil, a consumer from Thingi Colony, told Dawn that his domestic meter went out of order during rain around three months back. He said he promptly submitted an application to Thingi sub-divisional officer (SDO), but the needful had not been done. He said some Mepco officials provided meters to some applicants after accepting gratification.

Thingi SDO Muhammad Tahir confirmed that installation of electricity connections or replacement of defected meters was being delayed due to shortage of meters.

He said the headquarters was supplying his office 10 to 20 meters every month, which were not sufficient to meet the demand.

Vehari circle’s Executive Engineer Muhammad Ishfaque told Dawn that around 2,500 applications for replacement of meters and around 1,500 for new connections had been pending for the past few months.

He said all circles of Mepco were facing meters’ shortage owing to various reasons. However, he did not disclose any of such reasons.

He said the Mepco chief executive could only identify reasons of shortage of meters throughout the region. He admitted that supply of 20 meters per month was not sufficient to meet the demand.