KARACHI, Sept 27: Fragile KESC system, which often breaks down in this cosmopolitan city, increased consumption of electricity during Eid days, power thefts and unannounced load-shedding by the power utility have added inconvenience to Eid shoppers already hit by harsh weather, inflation and increased power tariff.

A visit to various markets in Saddar, Bolton Market, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Hyderi and satellite markets in North Karachi, Landhi-Korangi and some other areas revealed that there were frequent breakdowns during day time and buyers and shoppers both were seen perspiring and cursing the KESC people who no doubt risk their lives while carrying out maintenance of the systems/network in a poor work-safety enjoinment.

Although big stores have their own power units, or large shop owners have installed generators, a number of shopkeepers were still without any UPS or standby power facility, and attracted less customers as compared to those who had installed such units. Background interviews revealed that use of commercial and, in major cases, residential kunda connections can be blamed for power failures and breakdowns in the KESC system which add miseries to residents of the metropolis, and also affect productivity at commercial establishments, factories, and bazaars.

Anwer who runs a shoe shop at Malir’s Liaquat Market said markets had lost Eid shopping fanfare of the previous years because of high prices of various items, coupled with power failures which affect business activity.

Shoppers do not spend enough time inside shops choosing items of their choice, but they make a cursory look at and sometimes opt to make purchases inside only those stores which have their captive power supply units on and have air-conditioners on.

In this process, they spend more money and purchase costly items from such stores while markets are full of variety items with affordable prices.

Most of the families prefer night shopping as they find little time during fasting, but they get disturbed when they saw lights off in certain markets or shops.

Farasat, a government servant, blamed kunda connections for power mess in the city, and demanded stern action against those using such connections absolutely with the connivance of KESC staff.

There are many posh markets where such connections are rampant and shopkeepers pay bhatta to keep their lights on, or to use electricity for free.

Many shoppers interviewed at Saddar stated that they had been experiencing power failures in their homes, offices, and when they had been visiting markets, often there remains no electricity. This was happening despite the fact they had been getting excessive power bills.

They also criticised the government for allowing increase in power tariff.

Waheed, a resident of North Karachi, said that although the utility had made a commitment at the time of its privatisation that it would increase its production, no improvement is in sight and the situation is aggravating day-by-day.

The KESC should install more power units to increase power output, he said.