KARACHI July 15, KESC expresses its deep concern over the latest line of action adopted by the Karachi Water Board. That despite all out efforts and cooperation extended to it by KESC, the Water Board management is insistent on maintaining its unprofessional attitude.
Being a chart topper on KESC's list of defaulters, the KWSB owes the power utility not only Rs. 17 Billion in unpaid historical bills, but after using a large amount of electricity the Water Board does not believe in paying its monthly electricity bills which are in the ball park of Rs. 350-400 Million.
Importantly the Water Board Management is confused with respect to Power Tariff being charged to it, since it is not determined by KESC, rather by the national regulator - NEPRA. Despite multiple reminders by KESC, the Water Board has not been able to till date, provide or share any proof of the alleged 'Load Shedding' at its exempted pumping stations. The Water Board needs to overcome its internal efficiencies, so that instead of laying out baseless media allegations, it should start owning up its responsibilities not only to KESC in terms of billions or rupees in unpaid bills, but also to the citizens of the metropolis in terms of providing adequate supply of water.
KESC, as is known well has a very stringent policy against willful defaulters, but only keeping in view the factor of public interest, the power utility has not disconnected the power supply to KWSB's pumping stations. Instead the fortunate irony for Water Board is, that despite its mountainous default, all its pumping stations are Exempted from any and all sort of load shedding - this step has been undertaken by KESC, only to prevent any water crisis in the biggest metropolis of the country. Hence KESC now has dual responsibilities on its shoulders, that is not only to ensure supply of electricity to the city, but also to ensure provision of water to it.
The irresponsible attitude of the Water Board can be seen from the fact that its internal service cables on its important pumping stations of Gharo, Dhabeji and Pipri are so dilapidated beyond any normal usage that they are often the source of power trippings not only at their end, but cause disruption in KESC Feeders as well. As a gesture of goodwill KESC had previously offered the Water Board cost sharing in the replacement of these Water Board's internal cables but it seems that KWSB is more interested in coercing KESC to pick up 100% of the cost to replace its own property. This has been made evident from the repeated baseless media propaganda being churned out by the Water Board.
KESC can only advise its Rs. 17 Billion defaulter - the Karachi Water Board, that it should pay up its unpaid billions of rupees dues. Moreover it should ensure that Water Board's efforts are focused more towards improving its management so that the water issues of the city can be resolved, rather than expending its efforts on casting false and unproven allegations against KESC in the media.
