Power outage at Japan Garden City leaves over 3,000 residents suffering

More than 3,000 residents of Japan Garden City in the capital's Mohammadpur have been facing severe difficulties due to a prolonged power outage.

The authorities concerned said the crisis was caused by a malfunction in a transformer at the residential complex's own 33kV substation.

After learning about the issue today (9 July), State Minister for Primary and Mass Education and Dhaka-13 lawmaker Bobby Hajjaj contacted the relevant authorities and instructed them to take necessary steps to resolve the crisis quickly.

It has been learnt that Dhaka Power Distribution Company Limited (DPDC) is supplying electricity normally to Japan Garden City through the 33kV line under its jurisdiction.

However, internal power distribution within the residential complex has remained suspended due to the damaged transformer at its own substation.

Ayatullah Imran Ali, executive engineer of DPDC's Adabor zone, said the problem originated from the power substation owned and managed by Japan Garden City.

"Japan Garden City Authority informed us that they are working to solve the technical problem. Once the problem is solved and they inform us, we will synchronise the substation with the distribution line," he said.

DPDC said it was prepared to temporarily provide a transformer of equivalent capacity on a rental basis to reduce the residents' suffering. Relevant officials have also been instructed in this regard.

However, Japan Garden City authorities or its management committee have yet to submit the necessary application or take effective steps, according to DPDC.

"Citizens' suffering is in no way desirable. Although DPDC is ready to provide support, a swift decision and coordination by the management committee are necessary to resolve the crisis," Bobby said.

"No further delay is acceptable in the interest of the residents. The Japan Garden City management committee must take the necessary steps immediately to restore the power supply," he added.

Due to the prolonged power outage, water scarcity has also emerged as a major concern for residents. Many families have sent their members to relatives' homes as they struggle to cope without electricity and water.

Shahtub Siddique Anik, a resident of Japan Garden City, told The Business Standard, "Due to the prolonged power cut, water became scarce. Unable to sustain in the power- and water-less situation, I sent my family members to my in-laws' house."