Karachi, April 23 (TNS): Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, after resolving the ongoing spat between Karachi’s electric utility and the southern gas company, announced that the port city’s electricity woes would be resolved after the resumption of gas supply starting from Monday, state-run media reported.
According to “Radio Pakistan” report, prime minister on Monday directed relevant authorities to solve outstanding issues between the two entities in 15 days.
Abbasi directed relevant officials to take Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) and K-Electric (KE) on board and resolve the crisis in the stipulated time period.
“Gas will be supplied as and when needed. In 15 days, all dues are to be determined and settled. There is no chance of KE being taken over by the government. It is a private company,” said Abbasi, after chairing a cabinet meeting over Karachi’s electricity crisis.
During a one day visit to the metropolis, the premier said that all problems with KWSB have been resolved. “KE will be provided 190 MMCFD gas as required,” he added.
Commenting on the nature of load shedding in Sindh, he said, “when an area has 40 per cent electricity theft, how can the state solve it? After the 18th Amendment, whatever we are doing is in its context. We have allocated funds to the provincial government.”
When asked of the federal government’s contribution to Karachi, PM Abbasi said that multiple projects have been completed by the government. “We allocated Rs30 billion, we did more than we committed to,” he added.
The premier also said that complete eradication of load shedding is possible, but only if 100 per cent recovery is made. “Billing and supply are directly related, it was the gas shortage that caused load shedding, hopefully, everything will turn to normal as soon as these issues are resolved,” he added.
