Sudden power breakdown following unexpected downpour has affected water supply schedule and sewerage pumping in the metropolis. The supply of about 90 million gallon pre day (MGD) water remained suspended to consumers of heavily populous parts of the city.
A spokesman of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) told Business Recorder on Saturday that 15 water pumping stations were unable to supply water due to power breakdown for 2 to 3 hours during rain in the city.
He said power supply to Dhabeji, Pipri and Gharo pumping stations remained suspended during rain on Saturday. It went out at 8:10 Saturday morning. Power supply to Dhabeji pumping station was restored at 11:45 a.m., while to Gharo and Pipri it was restored at 12:50 and 1:10 p.m., respectively.
Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal, Defence Housing Authority and adjoining areas would suffer most on Sunday as well. However, areas receiving water supply through Hub dam including Orangi, Site and Baldia would not face any water shortage.
The KWSB sewerage pumping station was also suspended due to power breakdown that includes Clifton pumping station and Jamila pumping station in Lyari.
Some other sewerage pumping stations suffered power outage, but later working of sewerage disposal system was restored with alternate arrangements, the spokesman added.
He appealed citizens not to lift covers of manholes for disposal of rainwater, as rainstorm drains were available for the purpose.
Meanwhile, Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC) managing director Brig. Tariq Saddozai directed senior chief engineers and staff to remain attentive to cater to any possible tripping and power failure due to continues rainfall in the city.
A KESC spokesman said engineers and staff for rain emergency were already in place and as soon as it rained senior engineers rushed to their respective operation centres and main load dispatch centre. Brig. Tariq Saddozai also kept an eye on power supply situation from powerhouse Karachi.
A statement issued here on Saturday said power supply to major parts of the city remained normal in spite of downpour, however, high tension KCR circuit in coastal area was tripped causing power interruption in southern part of the city in the morning. The KESC managed to restore power supply by 1130 hours, he added.
The spokesman said 132kv lines from Malir, Korangi, Baloch colony and Baldia grid stations also caused power disruption but it was overcome shortly.