Kochi: The West Kochi areas have been reeling under frequent power failures due to delay in executing repair works caused by poor facilities of the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL). The Palluruthy electrical section, one of the biggest sections of the KSEBL, has more than 34,000 consumers which can't be managed by a single office and inadequate staff.
During a recent Corporation council meeting, councillors K.J. Basil, K.R. Premkumar and Thampi Subrahmaniam representing Edakochi North, Konam and Palluruthy divisions raised the issue and sought the civic administration's intervention.
"For last several months, residents of west Kochi areas have been facing severe difficulties due to disruption in power supply. Often the supply is disrupted continuously for two or three days," said Mr Premkumar.
Power disruption is also affecting drinking water supply as most of the households are connected with piped water.
According to KSEBL, shortage of manpower and facilities are the major reasons for delay in repairing and restoring the supply. The actual number of transformers required in the area is 150 while there are only 88 transformers.
Councillors said the Corporation must provide space for setting up a new office for KSEBL so that the electrical section can be bifurcated. "The first floor of the Corporation's building in Palluruthy market can be temporarily allotted to the Board to set up an office. The building is not being used now and it turned to be a haven for anti-social elements. Hence the space can be used as KSEBL's temporary office," added Prem Kumar.
Replying to the debate, Mayor Soumini Jain said that the civic body is unable to take a decision immediately as the election code of conduct is in force. However, she asked the town planning and finance committees to discuss the matter and submit a report in the council.
