KARACHI, January 16, 2012: Karachi Electric Supply Company has stated that Karachi Water & Sewerage Board did not pay its current monthly electricity bills in violation of its undertaking in a meeting at Governor's House on Nov. 26 last year. Also, the commitment of direct or indirect payment or adjustment of the Board's longstanding arrears that have now swelled to over Rs. 16 billion was not realized either.
While refuting contrary claims made by KW&SB authorities in respect of "settlement" of dues, KESC said that in spite of nonpayment of current bills, only the power supply to offices and residence had been cut off but all water pumping stations were still receiving non-stop electricity in the larger interest of Karachi population.
KESC clarified that the settlement to adjust Water Board's dues towards its public sector customers was meant for previous arrears of power utility.
However, at the same time, the Government had directed the Board in each meeting held at Governor House to regularly pay their current bills but that directive had not yet been followed. KESC asked the Water Board to immediately start paying their monthly dues as per Governor House settlement without further delay.
KESC expressed concern over the irresponsible attitude of public sector water board which had become the largest defaulter of power bills. The private power utility had been demonstrating great restraint in view of public interest and the state-controlled institutions needed to come up with similar response so as to create a balance.
