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Sunday, August 04, 2013

Downpour in Karachi : Electricity supply suspended as rain trips 550 feeders

KARACHI: Despite lofty claims, the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) once again failed to provide ‘continuous power supply’ during rain as more than 550 power feeders, out of 1350, tripped during the day on Saturday. Although the arrival of monsoon in metropolis turned the weather pleasant, it also lead to a ‘suspension’ of power supply, causing severe problems to its citizens.

The centralised complaint centre of KESC became totally ‘ineffective’ as despite several attempts made by citizens, no one bothered to respond.
As per details, heavy rainfall ultimately led to an ‘immediate’ suspension of power supply in majority of the areas in the city including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Nazimabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, PIB Colony, Jahangir Road, New Karachi, North Karachi, Baldia, Dig Road, as well as Burns Road, Saddar, Malir, Landhi and Korangi among others.

The power failure commenced soon after the showers began, and continued until the evening. Many areas even got their electricity back late at night. Sources informed Daily Times that almost 550 KESC feeders including commercial, residential and industrial tripped, amongst which most were residential. “200 to 250 feeders developed faults after tripping, however, rest of the feeders have been restored,” sources said, adding that the situation could have be avoided if KESC management prepared itself beforehand. “Last year, a similar situation affected almost 80 percent power supply of city; yet, KESC did not learn anything from its past,” the person added. The source further informed that so far, the management did not make any ‘calls’ for rain emergency duties to operation teams. However, KESC Spokesperson Adil Murtaza had a different version to tell altogether. “About 102 feeders had tripped throughout Karachi, amongst which, most have been restored. The remaining are left due to fault, but will be repaired shortly as the operational teams have been assigned with their tasks.

The situation shall normalise soon,” he added. Meanwhile, Karachi Administrator Hashim Raza was sacked due to his failure in managing the ‘post-rain crisis’ in the city. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah took the decision after at least 14 people were killed in different incidents owing to rain in Karachi. staff report/inp

 

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

 

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