Chowrangi

It is really hard to believe we live in a civilized world. Pakistan, it seems, has turned into a jungle of sorts where might, apparently, is always right.

On March 06, 2008 Karachities went through another wave of torture and frustration when power was cut across the city. The day started with loadshedding, believed to be of routine. However, things started to look bleak when power was not back after 5 hours. Initially it was told that power breakdown is due to tripping of KANUPP (KArachi NUclear Power Plant) and Jamshoro grid. Later it was revealed that WAPDA (Water And Power Development Authority) has cut off power supply to KESC (Karachi Electricity Supply Corporation). WAPDA took its decision back after intervention of Caretaker Prime Minister Mohammad Mian Soomro. However, life in Karachi returned to normalcy around 11pm, that is, most Karchities have spent 15 hours without power.

According to reports, there was a payment dispute going on between WAPDA and KESC. WAPDA claims Rs. 34 billion and has served several notices to KESC for dues payment. KESC states that it has huge amounts outstanding with departments of Sindh government, due to which it is unable to pay back WAPDA dues. However, WAPDA believes these defaults are of no more than Rs. 3 billion and the management of KESC is deliberately delaying the payment.

WAPDA officials also accuse KESC of not investing $500 million in infrastructure improvement as promised by new administration at the time of takeover. They also say that government had sold off KESC for Rs 15.86 billion and government was to invest Rs 14 billion in the entity. Government has invested Rs 12 billion under financial improvement plan of KESC, but no improvement has been made.

Whether WAPDA was right in its argument or KESC is really unable to payback due to non-payment by local and provincial govenrment, kundas and line losses, the approach taken by WAPDA is totally incorrect. Instead of seeking federal government’s help or taking KESC to courts, WAPDA proved itself to be another “badmash” of the town. I wonder if WAPDA has employed robots who have not thought for a second about thousands of homes, many having old and sick in them, that went powerless today. I also wonder how on earth federal government gave permission for such horrible act? Most importantly, what is the fault of people who pay their bills on time and still have to face this dilemma.

March 06, 2008 is another black day for Karachi when billions of rupees are lost due to childish tug-of-war between WAPDA and KESC.

WAPDA, Shame on you.

Other posts by Kashif Aziz

• Dubai International City flooded with sewage - July 3rd, 2008
• Package of Dr. Shahid Masood as Chairman and MD PTV - July 3rd, 2008
• Who nicked billions out of CNG consumers of Pakistan? - July 3rd, 2008
• Bleeding Edge Mobile Broadband? Check Pakistan! - July 2nd, 2008
• UAE Property Buyers may not get Residency Visas - June 26th, 2008
• Can Abraaj Capital resolve Karachi Power Crisis? - June 20th, 2008
• Karachi Metroblog got high - June 9th, 2008
• Voice of Karachi: Karachities got voice or voice-over? - June 7th, 2008
• Open Letter to Dr. Shahid Masood - June 6th, 2008
• PTCL DSL: Broadband Billing Blunders - May 29th, 2008