Karachi Residents Suffer from Long Power Outages and Electricity Theft
Residents of North Karachi, Pakistan, are facing severe hardships due to prolonged power outages and electricity theft. Many experience up to 12 hours of power cuts daily, affecting their daily lives and work.
Power Outage Schedule
Residents like Muhammad Tariq, Farooq Khan, and Babar report power cuts at the following times:
- 7:00 am to 8:30 am
- 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
- 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Additionally, there are occasional power suspensions from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Impact on Daily Life
Most residents are laborers who suffer greatly when they return home after a long day to find no electricity. They struggle to fill their water supply and go to bed very late, impacting their work the next day. School children also find it difficult to complete their homework.
Illegal Electricity Connections
Unscrupulous elements in the power utility are selling illegal electricity connections, known as ‘kunda,’ to over 250 homes. They charge PKR 10,000 upfront and PKR 3,000 per month for each house.
Challenges for Karachi Electric (KE)
Karachi Electric (KE) is the main electricity utility in the area but faces several issues, including ageing infrastructure, insufficient finances, and poor management. Although steps are being taken to improve the situation, these measures take time to implement fully.
Doubts Revealed
Karachi -: Karachi is a large city in Pakistan, which is a country next to India.
Power Outages -: Power outages mean that the electricity goes off for a long time, so people can’t use lights, fans, or other electric things.
Electricity Theft -: Electricity theft is when people take electricity without paying for it, which is illegal and makes it hard for others to get enough power.
North Karachi -: North Karachi is a part of the city of Karachi where many people live and work.
Kunda -: Kunda is a local term in Pakistan for illegal electricity connections, where people use electricity without paying for it.
Karachi Electric (KE) -: Karachi Electric (KE) is the company that provides electricity to the people living in Karachi.
Ageing Infrastructure -: Ageing infrastructure means that the equipment and systems used to provide electricity are very old and often break down.
Financial Issues -: Financial issues mean that the company, Karachi Electric, does not have enough money to fix problems or improve the electricity supply.