Sir,

My sister, who is a senior citizen, has a PTCL telephone line (021-35361358) installed at her residence. Complaints regarding the unsatisfactory functioning of this number had been registered since March. Yet despite lodging complaints over the phone (with complaint no 92 the latest given) and several personal visits to the area office in Clifton, nothing has been done in this regard.

Every official we met assured us that the problem would be rectified ‘soon’. The word soon cannot be digested anymore. Also, the matter is being stalled by the non-cooperative attitude of the lineman concerned.

It is hoped the PTCL will look into this matter as a top priority and get the phone in proper working condition as soon as possible and take disciplinary action against the delinquent staff.

ABDEALI NAFARClifton

Load-shedding in Model Colony

Sir,

There are certain households in Model Colony that are involved in unethical power theft by connecting illegal electricity wires or kundas. This is a serious concern as it is affecting the entire neighbourhood.

I am aware that the KESC is working with dedication to provide Karachiites with electricity. However, such illegal pursuits by some residents are preventing these efforts from succeeding.

Because of this power theft the KESC has increased the load-shedding duration in Model Colony, Sheet No 2. A few weeks ago power went out three times a day for an hour’s duration each time. However, the KESC has now increased the load-shedding duration to nine hours a day, with three-hour-long power shutdowns occurring thrice a day.

The residents are annoyed by such long power outages, especially in this hot weather. These power shutdowns are affecting children, students, and senior citizens alike. Another reason for certain areas to experience long power outages is the unpaid bills from certain households.

I request the KESC to take prompt action in identifying the reasons for these frequent power shutdowns and take strict action against those residents who are involved in power theft, and those who have not paid their bills. The residents’ illegal actions are making the whole neighbourhood suffer.

MUHAMMADOMAR IFTIKHARModel Colony

My Karachi

Sir,

Not so long ago, my Karachi proudly featured these gracious blessings, which I’m sure Dawn readers will agree with;After sunset we would plan to walk down to a kabab paratha joint and sit by the roadside and laugh into the small hours.

Before sunrise we would don our joggers and walk through the entire neighbourhood and enjoy the fresh air, have freshly cooked nashta by the roadside and return home with merriment and well-being.After sunset, come the full moon, we would drive down to Sandspit to witness the beautiful moon.

Before sunrise we would most willingly dash to the airport to receive our relatives. Now we make sure anyone wanting to visit the city where there is law of the jungle should arrive before dark.My Karachi has deteriorated and degenerated. Is there someone who can save the remnants? Or have we entered a point of no return?

TASNEEM ALLIBHOY THARIA (Karachi born)Via email

Clifton Block 2 in shambles

Sir,

The road that runs parallel to the Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture in Block 2, Clifton, finally received much-awaited repairs.However, these so-called repairs have been carried out in a highly unprofessional manner and are of such poor quality that they have only added to the residents’ misery.

Prior to this road carpeting, a new sewerage line was laid and the middle of the road was dug up for that purpose rendering the road unusable for weeks, even though the new line could have been conveniently laid on the side of the road. Were the line to be blocked, the whole road would turn into a pool of sewage. It has already started leaking with piles of hard debris stuck inside due to sheer neglect.

The worst part of all this is the series of manholes protruding out with their huge collars almost in the centre of the road posing a serious hazard to traffic. These collars may result in a serious accident at any time. Some of the manholes are left without covers, which is an open threat to the lives of residents. The entire work is an example of the worst possible planning, design and implementation.

Do the authorities responsible feel any shame about this?

A RESIDENT Block 2Clifton

Water meters

Sir,

With regard to the water shortage in the DHA, as with other utilities like gas and electricity, perhaps water flow meters can be installed firstly at high-rise apartments and commercial complexes so that the consumer may pay according to the use of water.By installing this equipment the consumer will be educated about using water as per actual requirement and will be billed according to the meter reading. In such way water usage/wastage will be controlled.

MOIN MOOSANIVia email

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