Dangling live wires

We also cannot forget that decades of malfeasance on part of city managers have led us to this point

At least a dozen people have died of electrocution in Karachi during the past month. Most of these deaths have been blamed on a combination of rain and downed power lines, but to leave it at that would be to absolve blame. The question that needs to be asked is why the city’s infrastructure is incapable of dealing with the rain. Nepra, the power regulator, has started its own investigation into the deaths, setting up an email address where the citizens have been invited to send evidence that would help place blame.

The step is welcome, though not new. Last year, Nepra had held K-Electric responsible for 19 electrocutions in Karachi and imposed fines on the company. K-Electric was also told to fix the problems that contributed to the electrocutions and power outages during rains. These problems included issues with K-Electric’s infrastructure, specifically power lines, poles, and transformers. And that is where this current probe becomes truly relevant. A look around the city shows that lines and poles are still in shabby condition. That goes against the company’s claim in a compliance report that about 90% of the problems had been addressed.

However, it would be unfair to place all the blame on K-Electric. Rain-related electrocutions also occur in other towns and cities, and poor infrastructure is one of the hallmarks of the national grid. Upgrades are needed across the board. We also cannot forget that decades of malfeasance on the part of city managers and elected officials across the country have led us to this point. No, not just in terms of the weaknesses of the grid and supply companies. To date, we have not seen concerted action to end power pilfering and misuse of power poles anywhere in the country. While this is most visible in slums and other poor areas, even posh areas are not immune. Such misuse also causes poles and cables to come down, but somehow, those responsible always avoid legal penalties.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2020.

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