WAPDA now only deals with construction of dams and hydropower projects
This refers to a cartoon drawn by Mr Sabir Nazar, appeared in your esteemed daily on August 31, 2016. The said cartoon has been drawn in the backdrop of ongoing electricity shortages in the country. While looking at the cartoon, one gets the impression that WAPDA is responsible for electricity problems in the country.
I take this opportunity to explain that subsequent to power sector reforms and bifurcation of WAPDA’s Power Wing in 2007, WAPDA now only deals with construction of dams and hydropower projects and operation and maintenance of the existing hydel power stations. Except hydel generation in public sector, all other matters related to electricity come under the domain of power generation (GENCOs), transmission (NTDC) and distribution companies (DISCOs). These companies are functioning independently and WAPDA has no relationship with them. Thus blaming WAPDA for an act that does not fall within its mandate appears to be based on misunderstanding.
Muhammad Abid
Public Relations Division
Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority
Published in The Express Tribune, September 2nd, 2016.
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