Karachi, August 4th, 2020: K-Electric (KE) recently wrote to the City Commissioner, Mr. Iftikhar Shallwani, highlighting monsoon-caused challenges including water-logging and fallen trees that compromised utility service provision. The power utility emphasised that these issues resulted in extended outages in some areas due to electricity infrastructure being damaged or inaccessible and requested for administrative support to address these city challenges ahead of the rains on 6th August which are predicted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department to be more intense than before.
In its letter to the Commissioner, KE mentioned that its teams faced an uphill task in restoring power to 222 locations including Delhi and Punjab colony, Khadda Market, Badar Commercial, SITE industrial area, Main University Rd, Korangi, Sohrab Goth and more, due to overflowing and blocked stormwater channels which result in rainwater accumulation. The power utility requested for coordinated support from the PDMA and Commissioner office for expedited drainage support.
The power utility also highlighted the issue of snapped power lines and damaged PMTs on account of trees falling on power lines and urged “professional and urgent support” from city administration for tree pruning of oversized trees to avoid risk to life and property at 229 locations including West Wharf, Karachi University, Khayaban-e-Shaheen and Zia-uddin Chowrangi.
The letter also talked about the pervasive issue of internet and TV cables which encroach on electricity poles and cause electrocution incidents. The power utility complained that the network operators had not started work as committed by them, and urged the Commissioner for intervention to ensure public safety. In addition the safety challenge of illegal street light switches placed on power poles and generator wires draped on electricity infrastructure were also highlighted as encroachments and KE assured the Commissioner of their intention to continue removing these hazards. At the same time K-Electric requested the Commissioner office for a permanent solution to these challenges in coordination with Deputy Commissioners, KMC/DMC and Cantonment Areas.
As the city’s sole power supplier, KE prioritizes the safety of its customers and the delivery of its service promise above all else. The power utility has taken out several safety messages, including a safety focused marketing campaign, with the objective of educating the city of necessary protocols and preventive measures. With the next spell of rain expected from August 6th onwards, KE looks forward with working together with the city government in mitigating damage to life and property alike.