Ulterior Power Supply units have become a household feature over the past few months due to frequent power outages. The basic unit will power a few light bulbs and a few fans when WAPDA supply is cut. The UPS recharges when there is power coming from the 'main' (supply).
While the UPS are a perfectly natural reaction to the power shortage, the behavior reflects a degree of predictability in Pakistanis. The disconnect between themselves and their government becomes apparent. For a variety of reasons the people have little faith in government and expect very little from. There is no consideration given to the fact that the people have always been paying an ever increasing amount of what they earn to the government through a plethora of taxes and therefore should expect at least the basic provisions. The unwillingness to hold the government responsible while continuing to pay up has made us a rather compliant lot. Pakistanis prefer to make quick fixes rather than trying to spend energy on altering the fundamentals of the nation.
The innocent looking UPS is a reflection of a quick fix. It eases life for those who can afford it. WAPDA can be damned. KESC can be damned. When it comes to reforming national institutions, we are helpless, hopeless and humbled. If the ever dependable market economy provides an easy way out, we'll take it.
Expect to spend a minimum of 30,000 rupees for one unit which includes the UPS and two Exide batteries. Also expect to pay up for 'service' charges as there is a regular requirement for adjusting the unit - which is a minimum of 500 rupees per month. In case of a battery malfunction, a likely possibility, a new one could cost as high as a whopping 5,500 - it used be almost half that only a year a go.
While the UPS are a perfectly natural reaction to the power shortage, the behavior reflects a degree of predictability in Pakistanis. The disconnect between themselves and their government becomes apparent. For a variety of reasons the people have little faith in government and expect very little from. There is no consideration given to the fact that the people have always been paying an ever increasing amount of what they earn to the government through a plethora of taxes and therefore should expect at least the basic provisions. The unwillingness to hold the government responsible while continuing to pay up has made us a rather compliant lot. Pakistanis prefer to make quick fixes rather than trying to spend energy on altering the fundamentals of the nation.
The innocent looking UPS is a reflection of a quick fix. It eases life for those who can afford it. WAPDA can be damned. KESC can be damned. When it comes to reforming national institutions, we are helpless, hopeless and humbled. If the ever dependable market economy provides an easy way out, we'll take it.
Expect to spend a minimum of 30,000 rupees for one unit which includes the UPS and two Exide batteries. Also expect to pay up for 'service' charges as there is a regular requirement for adjusting the unit - which is a minimum of 500 rupees per month. In case of a battery malfunction, a likely possibility, a new one could cost as high as a whopping 5,500 - it used be almost half that only a year a go.
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