Residents of Nikunja-2 Suffer Frequent Power Outages for Two Years, Demand Permanent Solution

Residents of Tanpara Paschimpara in Nikunja-2, Dhaka, have been experiencing frequent power outages for nearly two years, causing prolonged hardship for thousands of households and businesses.

According to local residents, the ZT100 distribution transformer under the Dhaka Electric Supply Company Limited (DESCO) has been carrying loads beyond its designed capacity for a long time. As a result, electricity supply is disrupted repeatedly at different times of the day and night.

Residents say they regularly lodge complaints through DESCO's hotline. Although technical teams restore the electricity supply after each complaint, they allege the solution is only temporary, with the same problem recurring within hours or a day.

Growing Demand, Unchanged Infrastructure

Locals attribute the crisis to rapid urbanisation in the area over the past several years. The construction of numerous multi-storey buildings has significantly increased the population and electricity demand.

The widespread use of air conditioners, refrigerators, water pumps, ovens and other electrical appliances has further increased the load on the distribution network.

Residents claim that despite the growing demand, DESCO has not upgraded the local electricity distribution infrastructure. They allege that the ZT100 transformer is now operating beyond its capacity, causing it to trip or malfunction frequently.

'We Pay Our Bills but Do Not Receive Reliable Service'

Local resident Nazmul Haven said the uncertainty surrounding electricity supply has become part of daily life.

"For the past two years we have never known when the electricity will go out. It can happen during the day or in the middle of the night. It is extremely difficult for families with children and elderly people, especially during hot weather. We pay our electricity bills regularly, so we expect uninterrupted service."

Another resident, Matiur Rahman Swapan, said repeated outages have affected everyday life as well as local businesses.

"Food stored in refrigerators gets spoiled, elderly people suffer in the heat, and small businesses lose income. We are not asking for any special privilege—we simply want a permanent solution."

Students and Small Businesses Hit Hard

Residents say the impact extends beyond households. Tailoring shops, salons, photocopy businesses and other electricity-dependent small enterprises suffer financial losses whenever outages occur.

Power interruptions also affect the operation of water pumps, leaving many residents without an adequate water supply during extended outages.

The situation has become particularly difficult as the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and equivalent examinations are currently underway. Many students reportedly have to continue studying using rechargeable lights, candles or mobile phone flashlights after electricity cuts.

'This Is Also a Question of Service Quality'

Jahid Iqbal, Convener of the Nikunja Tanpara Welfare Society and a senior journalist, said it is unacceptable that the same problem has persisted for such a long period in a part of the capital.

"DESCO promises reliable electricity services. If electricity demand has increased in the area, the utility should have anticipated it and upgraded the transformer in time."

He added that repeated temporary repairs cannot solve the problem permanently.

"The ZT100 transformer appears unable to handle the existing load. Installing a higher-capacity transformer would be the most practical long-term solution."

DESCO Responds

Responding to the allegations, DESCO Executive Engineer Md. Jakker Hossain said the matter is being treated seriously.

"We are reviewing the issue from a technical perspective through the concerned officials. If it is found that the transformer's capacity needs to be increased or that it should be replaced, the necessary measures will be taken in accordance with the applicable procedures."

He added that ensuring uninterrupted and quality electricity service remains DESCO's responsibility and that steps to reduce consumers' suffering will be considered positively.

Residents Seek a Permanent Solution

Power sector observers say that a long-term solution may require replacing the existing transformer with a higher-capacity unit, upgrading feeder lines where necessary and conducting regular load assessments to match the area's increasing electricity demand.

Residents of Tanpara Paschimpara say they are not seeking any special treatment. They simply want a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply.

After nearly two years of repeated outages and temporary repairs, they hope DESCO will now implement a permanent solution rather than continue short-term fixes.

//DBTech/SI/EK//