KWSB exempted from load shed despite outstanding: KESC

KARACHI: Karachi Electric Supply Company has stated that on the morning of August 25th, one of its 132kv Transmission Lines had tripped resulting in an outage at the Dhabeji and Gharo pumping stations. All the more importantly, the power utility stated that despite a burgeoning default in excess of Rs. 17 Billion by the Karachi Water Board, KESC has still maintained the 'Load Shed Exemption' status at all the water pumping stations of its biggest defaulter - the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board.

It further stated, that under normal circumstances no corporate entity would continue dealing with a defaulter of such a magnitude; but KESC's only considerations are the city dwellers of Karachi. If power supply to KWSB is disconnected, it is the common man who would suffer on account of the Water Board's high handedness, which KESC does not want. The Karachi Water Board's ballooning default of over Rs. 17 Billion in unpaid bills has been fueling largely the circular debt crisis being faced by the city's only power utility. With the purchase of fuel for the generation plants being payable on cash basis, such a massive default by a single consumer can only create a cash flow crisis for any corporate entity.

KESC also stated, that one of the prime causes of power outages at KWSB's pumping stations, are the ramshackle and decrepit condition of the Water Board's internal service cables. Due to the corrupted condition of Water Board's internal service cables, they are unable to bear the heavy power load and hence the frequent outages. These rundown cables of the Water Board have also become a source of trouble for KESC, since they cause frequent trippings of KESC's connected feeders.

Interesting to note here is the fact, that despite the critical nature of its service, the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board, operates without any contingency plan. Meaning that even in the event of a small duration power outage, the pumping stations are incapable of being powered on an alternate power source. This startling fact points out only the mismanagement and inefficiencies of the Water Board, because of which the citizens have to suffer on account of water shortage. While the only standard reaction by KWSB's management is to use KESC as a scape-goat to hide its own ills.

KESC has called upon the Sindh Government and has requested for immediate intervention by the Federal Government to settle the outstanding default of the Karachi Water Board, running in excess of Rs. 17 Billion. The utility further stated that the outstanding dues, payable by its single largest defaulter (KWSB) have reached a critical point and is constantly and spiritedly fuelling the circular debt issue for KESC.