KARACHI: The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of the Keamari Oil Installation Area (KOIA) ahead of the predicted heavy monsoon rains. In a letter addressed to the chairperson of the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Karachi’s mayor, the OCAC highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure repairs to prevent potential disruptions in the oil supply chain.
Despite repeated requests, no significant action has been taken to address the challenging conditions in the KOIA. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted a more than 100% increase in monsoon rains in Karachi from June to August 2024, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue a warning.
The OCAC fears that without immediate preventive measures, including sewerage and road infrastructure repairs, the anticipated heavy rains could cause significant damage and obstruct smooth operations in the area. The oil sector relies heavily on the KOIA, where refineries and oil marketing companies have their terminals. The deteriorated roads, filled with craters and potholes, have been a persistent issue, affecting the transportation of refined petroleum products.
The council stressed the critical importance of the oil installation area for the safe navigation of tank lorries and the daily commute of staff. Blocked sewerage lines exacerbate the situation by causing water to flood terminal trenches, leading to operational halts and severe disruptions.
With the monsoon season approaching, the OCAC emphasized the urgent need to mobilize resources to manage the expected torrential rains effectively. The council called for immediate repairs and maintenance of the road infrastructure, restoration of blocked sewerage lines, and removal of illegal roadside workshops. The OCAC also offered to participate in a joint survey to assess and expedite the necessary repair work at the KOIA.
