Quarantine and power outages

The number of coronavirus infections is kept increasing across the country. Another grim landmark of 150,000 confirmed coronavirus cases has been passed. This again comes with the solemn reminder that the worst is yet to come. But despite all this, the worst power outages by K-Electric are still happening.

K-Electric has begun testing the already depleting patience of the city’s people — especially the virus patients observing self-isolation and those living in hotspot areas under smart lockdown — due to intermittent power disconnections over the past few days.

Load-shedding in multiple areas of the city has increased to over eight hours a day. Residents of areas such as Malir, Saddar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shah Faisal Colony, and Saddar are experiencing as much as 12 hours of load-shedding a day. The people are compelled to go out of homes due to power suspension that might increase the number of coronavirus patients.

In the current situation, most of the offices are closed along with the markets, yet people are suffering from a long-period of load-shedding. According to doctors, electricity load-shedding can be life-threatening for COVID-19 patients. Due to the hot weather and load-shedding, a COVID-19 patient can start sweating and quickly dehydrate, which affects their immunity.

The prolonged and unannounced load-shedding has also led to water shortages in some areas. Water supply from the Dhabeji Pumping Station has also been cut off due to this reason, increasing people’s problems. The power supplier should need to think seriously about the fact that people are being quarantined in homes, and cannot leave their homes due to illness.

It is also the responsibility of the Sindh government to oblige K Electric to avoid prolonged and unannounced power outages. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah should take concrete steps keeping in view the current situation of the province.