LAHORE: Taking strong exception to a news item titled, “Wapda’s mismanagement” published in Business Recorder on March 15, 2017, WAPDA “spokesperson has stated that the allegations levelled in the said news are baseless, fabricated and with malafide intention.”
The spokesperson has stated that the recruitments have been made in accordance with the powers which WAPDA possesses as an autonomous organization as per WAPDA Act and the relevant rules and regulations. The services of the best personnel have been hired for these positions in view of the specific job nature.
WAPDA is setting up an indoor exercise facility at WAPDA House to re-energize its officials who remain busy in discharging their duties beyond office hours most often.
“At present as many as 4500 employees of WAPDA, PEPCO and NTDC are serving at WAPDA House. All of them will benefit from this facility to overcome the tiredness, they face during the longer period of their duty beyond the office hours. Contrary to the cost of this facility amounting to Rs. 60 million reported in the news, a sum of Rs. 6.5 million is being spent to establish this facility.
“WAPDA is a national organization and its projects are located across the country, most of them being in the North. Prior to assuming office of the Chairman by Lt Gen Muzammil Husssain (R) in August 2016, almost all under-construction projects of WAPDA were facing delays in their completion, particularly for ineffective pursuance. Since assumption of the responsibility, the incumbent Chairman has been making whirlwind visits to WAPDA projects.
“It is pertinent to mention that he has made as many as 21 visits to various WAPDA projects including Tarbela 4th Extension, Neelum Jhelum, Golen Gol, Dasu Hydropower Project, Mohmand Dam, Kurram Tangi Dam, Diamer Basha Dam, Keyal Khwar etc. WAPDA Chairman has been spending most of his time on projects and meeting with the higher authorities and stake holders e.g. the Prime Minister, the Federal Ministers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor and Chief Minister, Sindh Chief Minister to bring the projects back on the track. Rest of the time, he remains at WAPDA House to discharge his duties not only during week days but also during the off days as well. “This is because of his vigorous pursuance, a total turn-around is visible as far as WAPDA projects are concerned. Tarbela 4th Extension, Neelum Jhelum and Golen Gol are now heading towards their completion at a good pace. Significant developments have also been achieved on other mega projects including Dasu, Keyal Khwar, Kurram Tangi Dam, Diamer Basha Dam, Tarbela 5th Extension and Mohmand Dam etc.
“WAPDA is a huge organization, which in addition to performing its core functions, has also been contributing towards development of various segments of society including sports and education. Over the years, WAPDA has developed a very good health care system across Pakistan for its employees and their families. Since WAPDA has all the facilities available with it which are required to establish a Medical College, it intends to serve the society in health sector as well under its corporate social responsibility. With this purpose in view, WAPDA has decided to set-up a medical college. It is important to note that WAPDA Foundation is a subsidiary of WAPDA, whose income is used for the welfare purpose. Hence, there is no violation of rules in allocating funds from WAPDA Foundation to establish WAPDA Medical College,” the spokesperson concluded.—PR
