Cracking the Whip: SEPCO’s CEO Aijaz Ahmed Channa tackles corruption head-on
Dr Abdul Waheed Mastoi
SUKKUR: The newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sukkur Electric Power Company (SEPCO), Aijaz Ahmed Channa, has taken a strong stance against power theft, lethargic staff performance, and corrupt practices within the organization. Since his appointment two months ago, SEPCO has seen significant improvements in several key areas.
An 8% improvement has been recorded in outstanding recovery, indicating a more efficient collection process. The performance of the operation staff has shown a 17% betterment, suggesting enhanced productivity and efficiency. Most notably, there has been a 25% reduction in power theft, a significant step towards minimizing losses and promoting a culture of accountability.
These improvements are a testament to Channa’s leadership and commitment to transforming SEPCO into a more efficient and effective organization. His efforts to tackle power theft, staff lethargy, and corruption are expected to have a lasting impact on the company’s performance and reputation.
It’s worth noting that SEPCO’s previous caretaker CEO, Manzoor Soomro, had also taken steps to address power theft and corruption within the organization. However, Channa’s appointment has brought renewed focus and energy to these efforts, leading to tangible improvements in a short span of time.
In this regard a massive crackdown on electricity thieves and defaulters is underway in Sukkur . On the instructions of the Government of Pakistan, a joint operation involving Sindh Rangers, police, and intelligence agencies has been launched to tackle this issue. The operation, dubbed “Operation Circles,” has been conducted daily in various areas of Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Shikarpur, and Dadu.
During the operation, hundreds of illegal Kunda connections were disconnected by disabling transformers, and a substantial amount of money was recovered from electricity defaulters. The operation targeted commercial, industrial, and domestic consumers, resulting in significant recoveries.
The breakdown of recoveries is as Sukkur Rs 10.8 million, Ghotki Rs 10.78 million, Larkana Rs 3.91 million, Shikarpur*: Rs 2.2 million, Dadu Rs 2.1 million.
The total amount recovered from electricity defaulters is approximately Rs 30 million. Furthermore, cases are being registered against electricity thieves and defaulters to ensure accountability and prevent future instances of electricity theft.
