Burning plastic, woods to brave chilly weather in Quetta: Photo Manan Mandokhail
Syed Ali Shah:
Quetta: A severe cold wave has gripped Quetta and other parts of Balochistan for the past two days, forcing residents to remain indoors as temperatures plummet. The dry, chilly air has compounded challenges for the people, with roads appearing deserted and traffic thinning significantly.
In Quetta, the biting cold has exposed the lack of essential facilities, as residents complain of inadequate gas, power supply, and drinking water. Many have voiced their grievances against the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) for failing to ensure uninterrupted services during this harsh weather.
Aslam Khan, a resident of the Saryab area, expressed his frustration, saying, “We cannot keep our homes warm without gas. The supply is so irregular that it’s impossible to cook or heat water. The government must take immediate action to provide relief in this freezing weather.”
Mohammad Deen from Eastern Bypass lamented the electricity shortages, stating, “QESCO has been playing hide and seek with us. Power cuts last for hours, making it impossible to use electric heaters. We are suffering, and no one seems to care.”
Noor Bibi, a housewife in the outskirts of Quetta, highlighted the struggle of fetching water in these conditions. “With no water supply and freezing temperatures, we have to buy water, which is expensive. The authorities should understand how difficult it is for people like us to survive,” she said.
The meteorological department has predicted that the cold weather will persist and intensify on December 9, affecting Quetta and various parts of Balochistan. This forecast has heightened concerns among residents, who are already grappling with limited resources and essential supplies.
The lack of consistent gas and electricity supply has left many families struggling to stay warm. Local authorities are urged to address these issues promptly to alleviate the hardships faced by the people of Quetta and surrounding areas during this harsh winter.
