Power sector wrongs

This refers to the article, ‘What went wrong’ (Money Matters, May 25) by Hussain Ahmad Siddiqui. The writer should be appreciated for scaring us even more by pointing to the continuously widening gap between electricity’s demand and supply and our government’s inability to control it let alone resolving the crisis. However, the writer does not give the reasons that led to the present imbroglio and how it can be handled.
It seems successive governments have failed to realise the complexities, capital-intensive nature and long lead times invariably required in executing reforms in the power sector. As such, it continues to deal with the present crisis through run-of-the-mill solutions and band-aids. It believes in fixing the problem by quick inductions and replacements of top managers who are either clueless to what needs to be done or are not permitted the requisite independence to pursue their vision. Unless the government changes its mindset and hands the power sector over to a professional team that is selected on merit, we should not pin too much hope in the power crisis resolving anytime soon.
M Shahid Rahim
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia