QUETTA: Gas supply to the provincial capital was restored on Sunday after 11 days of suspension, triggered by raging floodwater that burst the banks of Bolan River due to incessant rains and swept away the 12-inch gas pipeline near Bibi Nani area of the Bolan district of Balochistan.

The destruction of the pipeline also cut off gas supply to other areas including Pishin, Ziarat, Mastung, Kalat, Khuzdar and Mach.

Floodwater earlier on Aug 19 swept away another gas pipeline of 24-inch diameter in the same area, but the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) continued supply to Quetta through a narrower 12-inch pipeline until Aug 25 when it also was swept away.

SSGC officials could not start repair work on both pipelines in the flooded areas for more than a week.

When the floodwater receded last week, they started the repair work. Finally, after completion of work, the gas supply to the provincial capital was restored on Sunday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier directed the authorities to expedite work and restore gas supply to Quetta and other areas of Balochistan without delay.

Published in Dawn, September 5th, 2022