‘Unauthorised civil work damages power lines’

26 alarming incidents were reported across Karachi in April

KARACHI:

K-Electric official has expressed serious concerns over the dismal lack of safety protocols during the civil works across the city, where labourers and excavators are digging roads in close proximity to K-Electric's underground infrastructure.

In the month of April, 26 alarming incidents were reported across Karachi where unauthorised civil works were carried out resulting in damage to KE's high voltage electricity lines.

The areas included the industrial zones of Korangi and Bin Qasim, as well as residential and commercial areas across Shahra-e-Faisal, Surjani, Baldia and Gulshan. The official said that 818 cases involving damage due to excavation have been documented by K-Electric between the years 2021 to 2022.

Commenting on the gravity of the situation, Director Communications and K-Electric Spokesperson Imran Rana stated, "As a responsible corporate entity, KE extends its fullest cooperation to ensure the functionality of the city's infrastructure".

He said that the unfortunate incidents could have been easily prevented if proper protocols were followed and K-Electric was intimated prior to the commencement of any civil work.

"We strongly urge all civic agencies to cooperate with us, in case we can ensure the safety of the labourers engaged in civil work alongside maintaining the integrity of our network for continued supply of reliable and uninterrupted power", he said.