Sub-divisional officer orders action against the people people behind the bogus meter. PHOTO: FILE
An insider familiar with the matter told The Express Tribune on Tuesday, the officials had installed bogus meters that had caused an unexpected hike in electricity bills over the past few months.
“A special team led by a superintendent was sent to Bisham to investigate the matter,” the insider said. “According to the superintendent, Wapda officials had installed bogus meters without the knowledge of the residents.”
Cycle of woes
Muhammad Tahir, a resident of Besham, said his electricity meter was destroyed during the 2005 earthquake.
“A superintendent asked me to pay Rs20,000 to install a new meter,” he said. “However, I soon realised that he had lied to me. For the next few months, I was charged a tax worth Rs600. When I asked the officials about the levy, I was told that it would be paid to the terminal office.”Imran, another resident, said his meter was installed in February 2014.
“After the first four months, my electricity bill rose to Rs54,000,” he said. “When I asked the Wapda officials about this, I was told they had arrived at the final amount after including unpaid dues from the previous year.”
A large number of residents have also registered similar complaints against the former superintendents.
The other view
The new sub-divisional officer told The Express Tribune that mismanagement had taken place in the Bisham owing to the incompetence and inefficiency of some officials.
“Firm action will be taken against those who violate rules,” he said. “Furthermore, new meters will be installed to alleviate the problems faced by residents.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 9th, 2015.
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