KARACHI, Feb 14: Conflict between the Karachi Electric Supply Corporation and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board deepened on Monday when the power utility said it did not cut off electricity supply of the water utility's pumps.

A press release issued by the KESC on Monday says that it disconnected the KWSB's power supply because of non-payment of dues amounting to Rs953 million which were not being paid in spite of repeated reminders.

"The KESC has so far disconnected only six power supply connections of the KWSB offices. And all the city water pumps are being supplied electricity uninterruptedly. The residential colonies or the residence of the KWSB managing director have not been disconnected as is being suggested by some water board officials," it says.

According to the press release, the KWSB was paying only 50 per cent of their monthly electricity bills. "But this too stopped in December 2004 and its power dues again started accumulating.

The KESC disconnected the KWSB's supply and on the intervention of the Sindh governor reached an understanding with the KWSB that it would clear the dues. Electricity supply was subsequently restored."

"The KESC has repeatedly requested the KWSB to settle its dues over the past 12 month. But the KWSB has avoided doing so on one pretext or another. This matter has also been brought to the notice of high government functionaries," the press release says.

"The KESC finds it ethically wrong to allow government department to default on payments while continue disconnecting ordinary consumers' power supply on non-payment of bills in accordance with the provisions of the Electricity Act."