Sindh Chief Minister reviews measures to counter power load shedding in Karachi
The Chief Minister taking notice of the KESC announcement, made through newspapers, about the scheduled plan for load shedding said Karachi being the commercial and industrial hub can not afford any interruption in the power supply.
"The government would not allow citizens to suffer in their capacity as residential consumers or industrial consumers as it would have direct impact on their livelihood," commented the chief minister.
Reiterating that industrial and commercial activities must continue at their normal pace, Syed Qaim Ali said certain institutions may have to make essentially needed compromises in the larger interest of national progress and prosperity.
The Manger of Sui Southern Gas Company informed the meeting that from April 12 gas supply to Karachi will be reduced by 200 million cubic feet for a period of five days and for next 20 days the reduction would be 125 mmcf.
The normal supply of gas to Karachi would be restored from April 29, he said.
On the occasion Chief Executive Officer of KESC, Tabish Gohar briefed the chief minister that reduction in gas supply would affect power generation and its supply to the metropolis.
He assured that any arrangement for regular gas supply would hep to avoid load shedding in the city.
Tabish Gohar also informed the meeting that difference in context of furnace oil will be provided to KESC by Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and that finance ministry will be approached to make payments for these to PSO.
SSGC Chief clarified on the occasion that gas supply to Karachi would be maintained to its normal level for the first five days while efforts were also being made to manage the unavoidable shortage through a prudent approach.
He said under the schedule gas supply to KESC would be cut to 115 mmcf to 120 mmcf from 180 mmcf.
Similarly, he said gas supply to fertilizer factories may also be reduced while as a policy gas supply to industrial sector would be reduced by 12 percent to 15 percent and that CNG stations will also receive 15% less of their regular quota.
The Managing Director SSGC said all efforts will be made to provid optimum relief to the general public.
Sindh Chief Minister said he will personally keep a strict vigil on the situation and would also contact the federal government to ensure release of outstanding dues to KESC.
He said use of solar power will be promoted on strong lines.
Syed Qaim Ali Shah on the occasion also constituted a committee led by provincial minister for energy, Shazia Marri to ensure implementation of decision made during the meeting.
KESC chief assured that load shedding in Karachi would be gradually reduced.
The committee constituted by the chief minister, to monitor the unfolding situation in face of energy deficiency, will also include Zubair Motiwala, a known industrial and advisor to Chief Minister for Sindh and one representative each from KESC, SSGC, provincial power and energy department and provincial department of finance.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary to the Sindh Chief Minister, Alamuddin Billoo, Secretary for Power Department, Rabia Javeria Agha, Secretary for Investment Department, Younus Dagha and others.