PESHAWAR, March 28: An official of Peshawar Electricity Supply Corporation (Pesco) said on Tuesday that emergency relief camps and tent villages in the earthquake-hit areas owed the power utility Rs20.58 million. The provincial government has already been approached for payment of the outstanding amount, Pesco chief executive Brig Sakhi Marjan was told at a briefing held here to review the performance and working of the Hazara Circle.

Muhammad Nazir, superintending engineer of Pesco (Hazara Circle), said that line losses of Hazara Circle had increased following the Oct 8 earthquake.

“The electricity bills of medical and relief camps and tent villages in the earthquake-hit areas amount to Rs20.58 million and we have requested the government to pay the amount,” said Mr Nazir.

Pesco chief executive expressed concern over the increasing line losses and poor performance of the Mansehra and Haripur rural divisions and instructed the XENs concerned to improve their performance, reduce line losses and enhance their recoveries.

He also transferred S.D.O Batagram due to his poor performance.

Brig Marjan appreciated the performance of XEN Pesco Jinnah Abad Liaquat Khan Orakzai and XENs Pesco City Division Abbottabad and directed the other Pesco officials to improve their performance.

Brig Marjan directed the concerned quarters to replace all the damaged and faulty meters and worn out wires immediately.

In this connection he directed officials to issue 4,000 meters and provide a 20-km long PVC cable so that the people could be provided better electricity facilities.

He called for the use of insulated wire to improve the power distribution system and curb pilferage.

Pesco’s chief executive also visited Shinkiari sub-division and personally reviewed the pace of work at 11 KV Baffa Feeder.

He directed XEN Construction to increase the pace of work and complete the work within 10 days.—APP