After failing to end incessant power failures at its water pumping stations, the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) has approached its bulk consumers and stakeholders to use their influence in resolving the matter. In a letter, KWSB Managing Director (MD) Misbahuddin Fareed has asked them to take notice of the power failure problem at pumping stations, as he fears that ‘power load shedding will cause severe water shortage in the city and may disturb the law and order situation.’
Fareed stated that power failures are creating hindrances in ensuring smooth supply of water to the city in the holy month of Ramazan. “If no proper steps are taken on priority basis, it may ignite the already-volatile law and order situation,” he said. “The water board is also facing problems in meeting the water requirements of industries. All five industrial areas are facing water shortage because of frequent electricity failures at the pumping stations. The situation has been continuing for the past many months.”
“Time and again, the KWSB has brought the situation to the knowledge of government officials while the media has also highlighted the situation. The water utility needs the support of such consumers to continue its supply of water to them most efficiently. “The KESC should take special steps to ensure power supply to the pumping stations and form a supervision team for the matter.”
In the letter, the KWSB MD also stressed upon the need that all pumping stations be exempted from load shedding and in case of technical fault, assistance should be provided immediately. The letter has been sent to several organisations, including Pakistan Steel Mills, Karachi Port Trust, Civil Association Authority, Pakistan Railways, Sindh Industrial Trading Estate, Defence Housing Authority, all five associations of industrial areas, Dairy Milk Owners Association, Cantonment Boards.
A copy each of the letter has also been sent to Commander 5 Corp, Sindh chief secretary, principal secretaries of governor and chief minister, secretaries of Home and Local Government departments and the City District Government Karachi Administrator.