The electricity department’s recent aggressive stance on recovering dues from consumers and internet service providers using electricity poles has sparked a public backlash. However, I find this outrage hypocritical. On one hand, we aspire to national progress, but on the other, we’re unwilling to tolerate minor inconveniences during this process. We seem to selectively express frustration, tolerating road project inconveniences while protesting other developments.
It’s legally unfair for individuals to use electricity without paying for it, as this burden is then shifted to honest consumers. Similarly, internet service providers’ unregulated cable management destroys the aesthetic appeal of areas and leaves unused cables intact.
Even the issue of slums is particularly pertinent, as they house people staying illegally, obtaining illegal electricity and water connections, and evading property taxes. Slums hinder development, undermine governance, and disrupt clean politics, often empowering politicians through unfair means. The government’s efforts to address these issues should be viewed as necessary steps towards progress, rather than targets for public outcry.
