04 March 2005	Friday	22 Muharram 1426

KARACHI, March 3: The financially-starved Karachi Water and Sewerage Board whose 60 per cent revenue is spent under the head of electricity charges has initiated an economic drive by curtailing its expenses by 30 per cent, excluding salaries and pensions.

Sources in the KWSB said the drive is aimed at saving the water utility from being further overburdened economically and it will apply to POL, purchase of furniture, stationary, etc.

They said that according to a circular, the permissible quota of fuel petrol and diesel, automotive, moveable machineries being used for official purposes, has been slashed by 30 per dent from March 1 till further orders and all officials concerned and respective petrol pumps have been directed not to exceed the 70 per cent allowed limit per month as far as petrol or diesel consumption is concerned.

Sources stated that while KWSB had been paying 60 per cent of its revenue to the KESC, poor dues recovery position is also to be blamed for the present state of affairs.