PkRevenue.com – The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has made an urgent appeal to Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab for the immediate repair of the Keamari Oil Installation Area (KOIA) in anticipation of a particularly strong monsoon season expected to begin in June 2024.
In a letter addressed to Mayor Wahab and the Chairman of Karachi Port Trust (KPT), the OCAC expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating condition of the KOIA. The council highlighted the critical need for prompt action to address infrastructure deficiencies, emphasizing the forecast from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) which predicts a more than 100 percent increase in monsoon rainfall for Karachi from June to August 2024.
“If the necessary preventive measures regarding sewerage and road infrastructure are not undertaken immediately, the forecasted heavy rains and urban flooding may result in significant damage to infrastructure. This, in turn, could obstruct smooth operations and severely impact the oil supply chain of the country,” stated the OCAC in its letter.
The OCAC noted that refineries and oil marketing companies, which maintain terminals in the Keamari Oil Installation Area, have been diligent in clearing their dues. However, despite their financial contributions, there has been no tangible progress in refurbishing the critical infrastructure of the zone.
A significant volume of refined petroleum, oil, and lubricants (POL) products are transported daily via numerous tank lorries from Keamari to various upcountry locations. Unfortunately, the roads within the KOIA have been plagued with craters and potholes for years, posing severe risks to the integrity of the oil installation area, as well as to the safe navigation of tank lorries and the daily commute of office staff.
“The integrity of the oil installation area is crucial not only for our operations but also for the safe navigation of tank lorries and the daily commute of office staff,” emphasized the OCAC. “Moreover, the blockage of sewerage lines at KOIA exacerbates the situation by causing water to enter the trenches of the terminals, leading to operational halts and severe disruptions.”
With the impending monsoon season, the OCAC stressed the urgency of mobilizing resources to effectively manage the anticipated torrential rains. The council outlined specific requests in the interest of maintaining safety and operational continuity:
1. Repair and maintenance of road infrastructure within the oil installation area.
2. Restoration of blocked sewerage lines to prevent flooding and operational disruptions.
3. Removal of encroachments by illegal roadside workshops, which hinder smooth operations.
The OCAC’s appeal underscores the critical need for immediate and effective action to safeguard one of Karachi’s most vital infrastructure areas. Ensuring the proper maintenance and repair of the KOIA will not only protect the oil supply chain but also enhance the overall safety and efficiency of operations during the upcoming monsoon season.
With the monsoon rains imminent, the swift response and collaboration of municipal and port authorities are crucial to averting potential disruptions and maintaining the stability of Karachi’s oil logistics network.
