Hanging electric wires which pose a threat to residents of Bidanasi and (below) a burnt transformer. Pictures by Badrika Nath Das

Cuttack, May 22: Frequent power-cuts have been troubling residents of Kusia Lane in Bidanasi for almost two years and the situation has worsened this summer.

According to the residents, no steps were being taken by the Central Electricity Supply Utility (Cesu) to install a transformer that was damaged in 2009. “We have been facing problems such as low voltage and frequent and long power-cuts here,” said Umakant Mohanty, 57, a retired government employee.

However, no step has been taken so far to reinstall another transformer despite several complaints.

They are now getting electricity supply through another transformer which is already catering to the needs of other residents in the locality.

“Now, more than 20 families are getting electricity supply through a single transformer and as result, they are facing problems due to overloading,” Mohanty added.

“We are facing many problems as there is power-cut during rain and storm in the city. There was no power for more than 10 hours after the transformer was damaged in the thunder squall that hit the city recently,” said Manoj Panigrahy, 22, a law student.

Moreover, the temporary connection provided through the service wire is hanging precariously, thus endangering the lives of local citizens.

“Everybody here is vulnerable to electric shock as the service wire from another transformer is hanging very low. Also, there are a number of cuts and joints in the service wire and so we cannot even let our small children out to play fearing they may get in contact with the wire,” said Rajendra Nayak, 33, another local resident.

Local councillor Nirupama Hati admitted the problem. “The residents are facing many problems as no step is being taken to install a transformer at Kusia lane. The previous one was removed after it was damaged some years ago. Though we had brought the matter to the notice of concerned officials, no step has been taken so far,” said Hati.

Despite several attempts, officials of electricity department could not be contacted.