NAUNDERO:Crackdown against illegal electricity connections on Chehlum Day was launched by local Sepco authorities here on Tuesday.
It was led by incharge SDO Amanullah Brohi, Line Superintendent Mushtaque Rahujo and others. They disconnected as many as 200 illegal connections which were running with their support since long.
The crackdown was carried out at Station Road, Saddar Chowk, Jub Chowk, Ansani Muhalla, Allah Waro Chowk and other localities. The Sepco team also took away with them all the disconnected cables.
In this connection, residents of the affected areas told newsmen that they had been paying those employees monthly for electricity supply to their houses and shops, adding if they did not deposit the amount in the bank then they should not be held responsible as no bills were issued to them.
The team carried out disconnection without any prior notice, they added. They said that higher Sepco and WAPDA authorities at the very outset should take stern action against their line and other staff who have ruined the entire electricity supply system and are involved in massive corruption due to which revenue of distribution company could not be improved because they were filling their stomachs and pockets. They said since last over six months meter-holders are sent separate Detection Bills ranging from Rs 5000 to 15000 per month despite the fact that the same act was declared illegal by Sindh High Court, Sukkur recently.
They further said that Meter Inspector Ashfaque Soomro is also getting Rs 1000 to 3000 from his ‘clients’ for running ACs since last several years along with others but no action has so far been taken against him or any body else despite knowledge to their higher officers which shows that all are involved in looting Sepco and taking their share. The residents further alleged that they made a complaint against highhandedness of Sepco authorities to PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari during his recent visit here but nothing has yet come out. They appealed to higher Water and Power Minister authorities and Federal Ombudsman to take notice by punishing corrupt employees, provide relief and order refund of Detection Bill amount charged from the lawful consumers in violation of SHC order.