Massive power failures following heavy rains Wednesday badly affected the industrial production in many trading estates in the city. Industrial activity in North Karachi was completely paralysed whereas in Site industrial area the activity fell to 50 percent.
Many streets were impassable with vehicles stuck into the water. No visible efforts were seen to drain out the accumulated water by the local administration. Heavy rains added to the woes of commuters, who got stuck in traffic logjams. Scores of people were critically injured in rain-related incidents. Many industrialists, contacted by Business Recorder, were either on their way to homes or were stuck up in massive traffic jams, after leaving their premises.
North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI) Chairman Abdul Rasheed Fodderwala said that with first drop of rain industrial units ceased to function following the power failure. He said the production in almost all the industries came to a grinding halt after first drop of rain on Wednesday. "I fear most about the power supply which remained suspended because of Wednesday rains," he added.
Site Association of Industry (SAI) Chairman Irfan Moton said work in over 50 percent industrial units was stopped due to power failure. However, production remained normal where industrialists were using captive power for production, he added. Federal B Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBAATI) Chairman Masroor Alvi said the production in almost all the industries here came to a grinding halt due to power failure.
He said after 7.30 pm, power supply was restored in this industrial estate. He expressed fear that night shift may not be operated in full swing because the labour was facing enormous problems to report on duty due to traffic jams in different areas. He expected that only 20 to 30 percent units will operate in night shift. There will be virtually no production on Thursday in case of more rains. Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) Chairman Ehtishamuddin said that he received no complaint of power failure from any part of this industrial estate.