‘NHA staff’ digs up road to IESCO office after power cut

Electric company has suspended authority’s supply over non-payment of Rs1.5m

RAWALPINDI:

In a bizarre turn of events, the National Highway Authority (NHA) staff blocked the way to Islamabad Electric Supply Company's (IESCO) TM grid station by digging a deep pit with the help of heavy machinery due to which the IESCO staff could not reach the office on Wednesday.

According to a spokesperson, the NHA Tarnol office was liable to pay Rs1.5 million to IESCO. Officials said the NHA was informed in writing regarding the outstanding electricity bill and told to pay immediately.

Despite continuous reminders, the NHA failed to clear its dues after which IESCO cut off power to the NHA Tarnol on March 30 at 4pm.

The NHA staff did not take the move well and blocked the road to IESCO 132’s TM grid station by digging a deep pit with the help of heavy machinery.

Members of the IESCO’s field staff and deputy manager security arrived at the scene, resulting in the NHA staff fleeing. They maintained that chairman IESCO has taken notice of the incident and directed the authorities concerned to contact the police immediately.

The electric company has submitted a written request and action will be taken as per law, a police spokesperson said. The IESCO officials said that the department did not take action on any personal grievance as there is a rule to cut off the electricity for those who do not pay bills after repeated warnings.

On the other hand, NHA spokesperson Muhammad Saleem was contacted by The Express Tribune to learn the authority’s position. He claimed he did not have any information on the incident of digging and did not share any further comments.

Meanwhile, the Islamabad police said they have received a written request from IESCO against the NHA staff while field officers have also visited the spot.

The IESCO spokesperson said the staff has filled the massive ditch with mud outside the office after which movement of staff was restored.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2021.