KARACHI, July 10: Karachi Electric Supply Company has strongly condemned blackmailing tactics exercised by organized kunda selling groups in Shah Latif Town and demanded of the Government to fund development of power supply system in the area in order to regularize the supply once and for all since the residents are collectively either unwilling or unable to do so.
KESC said that the population of Shah Latif Town had been falling into the trap of blackmailers and kunda sellers because power supply system had not been developed in the area ever since its inception by Malir Development Authority. Taking advantage of the situation, oversized groups of electricity thieves had become active and they had even gained influence over the local law enforcement agencies. Above all, they have lately been threatening and attacking KESC employees.
KESC said that in view of the electricity needs of the large population of various undeveloped sectors of Shah Latif Town, bulk power supply system had been introduced there as a temporary remedy but armed gangsters belonging to organized power thieves were threatening and attacking the contractor concerned and blocking his work. Armed groups had also chased local GM and mobbed the offices of top management. The mobsters had been stealing electricity from the nearby villages and KESC has been repeatedly removing the rampant kundas but they have reconnected and even filed false cases against KESC officials in the courts.
Local residents are the ultimate sufferers of this difficult situation who have not received any help from the Government so far in regard to fulfill their electricity needs. KESC said that Malir Development Authority which had taken control of Shah Latif Town long ago should have developed power supply system as part of area development as the norm. Once serious interest is taken in the issue, other options of funding through an NGO or micro finance company could also be probed as the local residents are apparently unable bear the system development cost on their own. Once the infrastructure is laid, KESC is willing to provide metered connections to individual houses/customers through installments.
