Derai dwellers suffer for prolonged load-shedding

 
DERAI , SUNAMGANJ, Sept 9: Residents of Derai  Upazila have been suffering from prolonged load-shedding since May, with no immediate end in sight as the country's power generation remains inadequate, according to officials concerned.

The frequent power cuts have also been blamed for a rise in various illnesses, particularly among children.

The Palli Bidyut Samity offices in Derai  serve 61,749 customers in Derai  and Shalla upazilas. Meanwhile, the Derai  office of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB) serves around 20,000 customers in Derai , Shalla and Shantiganj.

According to officials, the demand for electricity under the Palli Bidyut Samity is around 12mw, but the area receives only 4mw to 6mw at different times. The BPDB has a demand of 6mw but receives around 3.5mw, resulting in load shedding of about 2.5mw.

Residents said they have become frustrated with the situation, which has continued for months since May. Public resentment is also growing as consumers have to pay their monthly bills despite not receiving uninterrupted power.

Some consumers alleged that their electricity bills have increased alongside the load shedding, creating a negative perception of the government.

Meanwhile, hospitals are seeing an increase in patients suffering from various illnesses. Children, in particular, are being affected by pneumonia and diarrhoea.

According to hospital sources, 24 children were undergoing treatment for pneumonia and six for diarrhoea as of yesterday.
Sources said children aged between three months and six years are particularly vulnerable to pneumonia amid the prolonged power cuts. The number of patients suffering from diarrhoea and stomach pain has also increased.

Md Gias Uddin, AGM of Derai  Palli Bidyut, said they were making every effort to provide services to consumers and address complaints received every day.

“We have nothing to do about the ongoing load shedding. It has become a national problem,” he said.

However, the authorities were trying to distribute the available electricity and load shedding as evenly as possible, he said.

Asked about complaints of higher bills, Gias Uddin said electricity prices had been increased by the government, which naturally resulted in higher bills than before.

“We prepare bills based on meter readings. No extra charges are being taken,” he said, adding that action would be taken if any such complaint was received.

Parshumar Tarfder, Residential Engineer of the BPDB's Derai  office, said load-shedding had become a national issue due to inadequate power generation.

“The issue is even being discussed in parliament. As power generation is low, we are not receiving enough electricity and have to resort to area-based load-shedding,” he said.

The authorities were making their best efforts to ensure uninterrupted services for consumers, he added.