Wapda will spend Rs 34 billion over a period of next five years for rehabilitation and upgradation of its transmission and distribution network, to facilitate its consumers with more stable power supply as well as bring down the system losses up to five percent by the end of the stipulated period. This was stated by Wapda chairman Tariq Hamid during his visit to Hall Road, Anarkali, Shah Alam and Brandreth Road areas. He made this visit to have a first hand account of the prevailing condition of electricity system and to ascertain augmentation requirements of these areas.

He also inspected other development works being under taken by Lahore Electric Supply Company (Lesco). He was accompanied by Lesco chief executive officer, Muhammad Akram Arain.

Talking to people of the areas, Tariq Hamid said that provision of quality services to its valued customers had been amongst the priorities of the present management. Out of the total allocation for system augmentation, Rs 24 billion had been earmarked for the upgradation of the distribution system alone during the next five years, he added.

Lesco chief said that Rs 252 million had been allocated for the current fiscal year. As many as 375 projects worth Rs 116 million had already been completed in Northern Lahore, Multan Road and Kot Lakhpat areas whereas work on 950 development schemes was underway and was expected to be concluded by the end of June, this year.

Tariq Hamid also went around the areas and reviewed dressing and adjustments of electricity meters and cables. He directed the field staff for timely completion of such schemes in order to avoid inconvenience to the public during upcoming summer season.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005