RASC News Agency: Numerous residents of Kabul have expressed frustration over the growing frequency of power outages and the inadequate electricity supply in the city. They emphasize that for a considerable period, they have been grappling with significant challenges due to these shortages. According to these residents, electricity is available for only 6 to 8 hours a day, forcing them to endure considerable hardships during the sweltering summer days.
Residents accuse the national electricity company, Breshna, of inefficiency in providing adequate power. Furthermore, many Kabul residents claim that the Taliban-controlled Breshna has been ineffective and unable to meet the electricity demands of the populace. Despite their inability to deliver consistent power, the company has significantly increased electricity bills compared to previous months. Residents report that with the rising temperatures, the Taliban have prioritized electricity for government offices under their control, to facilitate the use of cooling systems, while ordinary citizens have been largely neglected.
One resident lamented the ongoing power outages, stating that electricity is available for only about five hours each night. Mr. Yasin noted, “We experience frequent power outages. In our area, electricity usually comes on around 7 PM and lasts until 11 or 12 PM before cutting off again. The situation is dire; the weather is scorching, and the water supply in the buildings also depends on electricity. When there’s no electricity, there’s no water. Many people are facing severe difficulties.” Kabul’s industrial parks are also suffering from power outages, raising concerns among factory owners in the capital.
Some residents accuse the Taliban-controlled electricity company of price gouging. They emphasize that despite the frequent outages, they are being billed exorbitant amounts. Musa, a resident of Kabul’s sixth district, mentioned that their electricity bills have been significantly higher in the past two months compared to earlier periods. Musa added, “There are frequent power outages. Electricity comes on at night and then cuts off again. However, the electricity bill has increased significantly. In March and April, I paid 600 to 700 kabuli rupees, but in June, despite severe electricity shortages, my bill exceeded 4,000 kabuli rupees, and there’s no one to explain why.”
These complaints about increasing power outages in Kabul arise as electricity for the capital and several other provinces is supplied from neighboring countries. Residents across many provinces report similar issues, struggling with electricity shortages in both the cold winter and the hot summer months.
