KARACHI: K-Electric has recently written to the city commissioner highlighting monsoon-caused challenges, including waterlogging 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 the administrative support to address these city challenges ahead of expected rains on August 6 predicted by the Meteorological department to be more intense than before, a statement issued by the utility said.

In its letter to the commissioner, the KE mentioned that its teams faced an uphill task of restoring power to 222 locations, including Delhi and Punjab Colonies, Khadda Market, Badar Commercial, SITE industrial area, main University Road, Korangi, Sohrab Goth and more, due to overflowing and blocked storm-water 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 pruning of oversized trees to avoid risk to life and property at 229 locations, including West Wharf, Karachi University, Khayaban-i-Shaheen and Ziauddin 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.

The safety challenges of illegal streetlight switches placed on power poles and generator wires draped on electricity infrastructure were also highlighted.

The KE assured the commissioner of its intention to continue removing these hazards.

At the same time K-Electric requested the commissioner 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 prioritises the safety of its customers and the delivery of its service promise above all else”.

The statement said: “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.”

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2020