Faulty poles, hanging wires threaten lives in Mailsi

A prolonged delay in issuing tenders for contractors in the MEPCO Division Mailsi has left the electricity transmission system in a precarious state, raising fears of potential accidents and prolonged disruption for consumers.

No contractor has been appointed for the past six months due to administrative lapses in MEPCO's Vehari Operation Circle.

As a result, the installation of new electricity poles and replacement of damaged ones has come to a near standstill, despite many consumers having already paid demand notices for new connections.

The situation has worsened following recent rains and windstorms, which have further weakened the already fragile infrastructure.

In several areas, including Chak 145-WB, Abbas Nagar, Lalipur, Basti Man Garh and Dokota, dozens of poles are either broken, tilted or in severely dilapidated condition.

Instead of permanent replacement, temporary and unsafe repairs are reportedly being carried out to maintain electricity supply.

A local resident, Irfan Mahmood, said a damaged pole near his house posed a constant threat to children and passersby.

Another resident, Muhammad Aslam, pointed out that low-hanging wires in his locality were dangerously close to the ground, increasing the risk of fatal accidents.

Officials at the sub-division level maintained that all procedural requirements for pole replacement had been completed, but work could not proceed without the appointment of a contractor.

Meanwhile, consumers claim that repeated complaints have failed to yield any concrete action.

Sources further revealed that unlike Mailsi, other divisions such as Vehari and Burewala have functioning contractors and ongoing maintenance work, highlighting a disparity attributed to administrative negligence.

A MEPCO lineman, speaking on condition of anonymity, said field staff were working under severe pressure and hazardous conditions, often climbing damaged poles to restore electricity, putting their lives at risk.

Local community leaders have urged MEPCO Chief Executive Jam Gul Muhammad Zahid to take immediate notice, appoint a contractor on an emergency basis, and ensure timely replacement of unsafe poles to prevent any loss of life or property.

Meanwhile, Additional Chief Engineer Azmatullah Khan said tenders would soon be issued and necessary steps were being taken to resolve the issue.