KATHMANDU: Consumers in Kathmandu’s Budhanilkantha Municipality have been facing regular power cuts in the last several days.
On Thursday, there was no electricity from 6 am to 12 noon in the municipality. This is just a representative case. Kathmanduites have been facing power cuts these days as they have been complaining of what they say “unannounced” load shedding.
Similarly, in the last one week, different places in Lalitpur have load-shedding for more than 10 hours for three days as they link the issue of power cuts with the vacant post of Managing Director at the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) after the completion of the tenure of the then MD Kulman Ghising.
The Ministry of Energy says there is no point in linking the power outage with Ghising’s completion of tenure.
Lekhnath Koirala, acting executive director of NEA, said that there were some problems in power due to falling of the poles, trees and landslides.
“It is natural to have power outages for a while due to various problems such as rains and strong winds. It is not appropriate to connect it with any person,” Koirala said.
He also said that people of the area should be patient as it would be difficult to find out the reason of the issue due to incessant rains as it would take some time to repair it.
Emergency meeting at the Ministry
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barshaman Pun has instructed NEA authorities to solve the problem at the earliest.
“You need to perform as a full-fledged Executive Director, not for the sake of yourself. Resolve all legitimate grievances of the people immediately. If there is no solution from your level, tell me. I will also take the initiative,” Minister Pun is learned to have told Koirala.
Stating that there is a responsibility to ask for explanation and take action if anyone refuses to work, Minister Pun has instructed to work without following the rumors.
“People are our customers. It is our duty to solve people’s problems. Don’t panic when complaints ,” the minister instructed.
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