Power crises: Information adviser criticises federal govt, WAPDA, KE for failures

Federal government failed to provide uninterrupted electricity to people in Ramazan.

Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister for Information and Archives, Maula Bux Chandio, slammed on Friday the federal government, Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) and K-Electric (KE) for their failure in providing uninterrupted electricity to the people of Sindh during Ramazan.

"Upto 16 to 18 hours of power load-shedding in rural areas of Sindh and eight hours in towns is being carried out by Wapda, while KE is also busy carrying out load-shedding in Karachi," Chandio said in a statement. He added that during the recent monsoon rains, many Wapda and KE feeders tripped that caused enormous trouble to the people.

The people sizzle in heat and the country's power shortfall has crossed 6,000 megawatt (MW) mark, due to federal government's lethargic policy, he said. "According to a report, total national demand [for electricity], excluding Karachi, is 19,500MW, against the generation of 15,886MW," Chandio said. He added that electricity is important for social life, industries, agriculture and the overall economy.

"The federal government, Wapda and KE made big promises of providing uninterrupted power and to reduce load-shedding, but they have been unsuccessful in providing relief to the people across Sindh," Chandio said. He added that Sindh is being victimised not only in budget share, but also in its share of electricity.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3^rd, 2016.