HYDERABAD: US Consul General Conrad Tribble on Monday delivered 2,400 electricity poles valued at $500,000 to the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) which was among the worst-hit distribution companies with extensive damage to its power supply network following the 2022 floods.

The US government provided the pre-stressed concrete high-tension spun (hollow) poles essential for restoration and rebuilding of power distribution networks to Hesco through US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Power Sector Improvement Activity to aid the power utility in its flood recovery and rehabilitation efforts, said a press release.

Shaikh Jamil Gul, chairman of Hesco Board of Directors (BoD), received the poles at a ceremony and stated: “I wish to extend Hesco’s sincere gratitude to the US government for its support. The USAID’s collaboration and assistance including will not only strengthen vital infrastructure but also enhance resilience of communities against natural disasters,” he said.

Mr Tribble appreciated Hesco’s efforts for maintaining supply of electricity immediately after floods despite on the ground challenges. “US government’s assistance to Hesco is just one facet of our broader support to Pakistan’s energy sector. Our energy partnership is now more critical than ever as we work together to mitigate effects of climate change - our greatest long term global challenge,” he said.

Over the past decade, USAID had been instrumental in introducing innovative technologies and providing extensive training to government officials across Pakistan and this comprehensive support not only enhanced the reliability of electricity access but also supported economic growth, said the press release.

Mr Tribble later visited the US Centre of for Advanced Studies in Water in Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, where he met Vice Chancellor Prof Tauha Hussain Ali and said that water issue in Pakistan and Sindh demanded attention.

Published in Dawn, April 23nd, 2024