Powdikonam market remains powerless

Thiruvananthapuram: It has been two months since power disconnected and meter dismantled at Powdikonam market due to non-payment of dues. Councillor Narayanamangalam Rajendran says that this is most unfair, as there is a subsidiary unit of Pangappara Primary Health Centre here.

”At the time of disconnection, the clinic had stocks of pulse polio immunisation medicine. I believe there are rules which prevent KSEB from disconnecting power to a unit which stores vaccines,” he says.

Recently there have been many cases of KSEB disconnecting power to Corporation-owned facilities. The power to Palayam Health Office similarly disconnected was re-established only last week. Similarly, a high mast light at Nanthancode and street lights in a stretch from KSRTC bus stand to RMS Junction were disconnected.

Councillors complain that the bills are usually left at meter boxes, and officials in charge of the facilities would never get to know about it. Officials say they miss out on the bills, as it is hard to follow up on every connection.

“Mesamani Hall, the building in which Powdikonam market functions, has eight consumer numbers. The zonal office has around 40 numbers. We would not know if we have not received a bill,” said an official at Sreekaryam zonal office. Bills were not paid for more than a year.

In the case of Powdikonam market, the councillor is hopeful that connection will be re-established, though KSEB officials say that they have to apply for a new connection.

“Rules say that the meter should be dismantled 45 days after the disconnection. Moreover, there should be two witnesses at the time of disconnection. These rules have been flouted,” says Rajendran.

Ideally, all bills should be sent to Corporation's offices, says Palayam Rajan, Nanthencode councillor.  "Corporation officials come to know about it only after a fine is charged. Even that can be paid by the Corporation, but officials, not wanting to bear the brunt of non-payment of the bill, keep quiet," he says.