Standing water around power infrastructure safety hazard: KE

K-Electric had requested civic bodies to take preventive measures before recent rains to ensure there is no water logging in Karachi so as to avoid any untoward incident. However, various areas of the city have been submerged creating an urban flooding situation.

KE has suspended electricity supply to flooded areas on the request of civic bodies as a safety measure. Waterlogging around power installations in low-lying areas hampers restoration efforts and is also a severe public safety hazard. In spite of the challenges over 1,700 out of more than 1,800 feeders are currently online.

K-Electric cautions citizens for safety during monsoon

The Pakistan Army was extremely responsive and helped clear standing water from the KDA grid, a strategic electricity installation. Commissioner Karachi and District administration also remained in contact with KE to deal with any emergency. However, Mayor Karachi and the Karachi Municipal Corporation did not extend support in clearing out water near power infrastructure.

KE is also investigating all electrocution incidents. As per initial reports, the majority of the incidents either occurred inside homes through broken wires and water pumps or due to non-KE infrastructures such as kundas and hanging lights. KE is deeply saddened by all these incidents and sympathizes with the affected families.

It is extremely unfair that some quarters are blaming one particular organization for these unfortunate incidents, which occurred during urban flooding in Karachi, and were the result of weak civic infrastructure.

On its part, KE has been conducting public awareness campaigns on rain safety through TV, print and social media, SMS and has also been engaging with students. KE once again appeals to civic bodies to jointly clear waterlogging in all affected areas on war footing to ensure a safe and reliable supply of power across the city.