Gas, power supply to Balochistan not restored

Authorities struggle to supply gas as pipelines washed away by floods

QUETTA:

People of Balochistan continued to face problems on Tuesday as the authorities concerned were unable to restore gas and power supply to the province, which were cut off because of the damage to infrastructure caused by devastating floods.

The main gas pipeline was damaged in the Bolan area of Balochistan after the entire valley was flooded. The flooding was so severe that the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) was even unable to start the repair work.

“SSGC technical team started repair work on Tuesday,” an official of the SSGC said, adding that the gas supply was expected to be restored within next three days. In the absence of the gas supply, the people in Quetta switched to other modes of fuel – the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

However, a high demand of LPG sent its prices skyrocketing. On Tuesday, long queues of people were witnessed outside the LPG outlets in Quetta. “We are purchasing gas at Rs400 per kilogram,” Nizam Khan, a Quetta resident said. “People have no option but to pay high prices,” he added.

Similarly, the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) was unable to restore power supply to Quetta and other parts of Balochistan. The internet cellular services were also disrupted. This situation compounded the problems of flood-stricken people.

Balochistan is one of the most affected province because of the floods. The death toll in rain-related incidents rose to 250, including 79 children and 67 women. The Army and the FC had evacuated hundreds of people to safer places in various parts of Naseerabad division.