Powerless' people can only protest

Faulty transformers, extended blackouts also trigger water crisis

HYDERABAD:

Sindh's second largest city is reeling under prolonged power outages as faulty transformers remain unrepaired for days, leaving thousands without electricity and water.

Protests broke out across several neighborhoods as frustrated residents took to the streets against the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO).

In Kacha Qila's Mumtaz Colony, residents staged a demonstration on Qazi Abdul Qayyum Road after five days without power. Women and children joined the protest, blocking the road by forming a human chain, which disrupted traffic flow. Police later assured the replacement of the faulty transformer by night, leading to the dispersal of protesters.

In Sarfaraz Colony, residents staged a sit-in on Maulana Mohammad Ali Johar Road (popularly known as Raheem Shopping Center Road) after two days of blackout. Women also participated in large numbers. The protest caused severe traffic jams, with demonstrators vowing to continue until HESCO officials personally arrive to restore power. At Naseem Shopping Center, residents burned debris on the road and staged a protest near Naseem Nagar Chowk, led by Ghulam Rasool Shah, Ashraf Mirjat, and Ali Haider Magsi. They complained that power had been cut for two days without any valid reason, despite repeated visits to HESCO offices.

In Latifabad Unit 11's Quaid-e-Azam Colony, residents have endured two days without electricity as the faulty transformer remains unremoved from poles. In Baban Shah and GOR colonies, power returned briefly after transformer repairs but failed again within an hour when one phase tripped. Similarly, in Rizvi Sub-Division's Unit 7 (Mazar wali gali), a transformer has been out of service for six days. In the Pritabad Sub-Division, a 100 kV transformer removed 15 days ago has still not been reinstalled.

Meanwhile, in Unit 10, the Faiz Ahmed Faiz transformer near Imam Bargah Hussaini was restored after eight days but is now delivering low voltage, causing further problems.

Residents warned that if electricity is not restored promptly, they would stage demonstrations on the National Highway, bringing traffic to a halt.