ISLAMABAD, March 3: The targeted revenue generation of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) in 2001-2002 is around Rs196.2 billion against Rs174.4 billion in 2000-2001; and line losses have been effectively checked and would be reduced to 23.6 per cent in December 2002 against 25.6 per cent in December 2001 as compared to 42 per cent in year 1998.

This was stated by Wapda Chairman Lt-Gen Zulfikar Ali Khan during a detailed briefing to President Gen Pervez Musharraf here on Sunday.

The president commended the performance of Wapda in terms of revenue generation and improvement in services being provided to the customers.

The president hoped that Wapda would continue making further strides in serving the people with vigour and full commitment to further enhance its image.

Regarding resolution of tariff issues, the Wapda chief said the authority saved $6 billion as a result of fruitful negotiations with 15 independent power producers (IPPs). These, he added, included 13 IPPs saving $1.5 billion, Kapco saving $1.5 billion and Hubco saving $3 billion.

Zulfikar told the president that 1,941,124 new connections were sanctioned countrywide during January 1999-January 2002. As regards agricultural package offered by the government, he said 12,520 tubewell connections were granted during January 1999-December 2001. During the same period, he added, 3,777,100 single-phase and 349,000 three-phase meters were purchased to expedite disposal of the pending applications.

Wapda commissioned/augmented 170 grid stations during January 1999-December 2002 while 13,957 transformers were repaired, he pointed out.

These measures, he added, helped eliminate load-shedding. During the same period 2,663,432 complaints were redressed and 30,621 disciplinary cases decided.

Referring to electricity supply to the KESC, Zulfikar said depending on demand of Karachi, Wapda supplied 40-220mw from 0600 to 1700 hours (morning), 50-280mw from 1800 to 2200 hours (peak) and 10-160mw from 0100 to 0500 & 2300,2400 Hours (night).

As regards to the financial aspect, the Wapda chief said projected payment to IPPs for year 2001-2002 was Rs113.8 billion (Rs28 billion higher than the previous year). Receivables from the public sector were at the level of Rs26.613 billion as in February 2002 while receivables against the KESC had gone up to Rs11,190 billion in February 2002, he added.

The Wapda chief said efficiency of the authority had been considerably improved by introduction of performance-based promotion criteria, mandatory examination system and meaningful training system.

Enumerating the measures adopted to facilitate the general consumers, he said these included: simplification of procedures for new connections, timely billing of new connections, availability of sufficient meters for new connections/replacement, one window operation, customer service centres at circle level, payment of bills in any authorized bank branch of the city, cheque drop in system in banks (no intizar no qatar), provision of separate counters for depositing of bills by disabled persons/women, collection of bills through post offices, pilot project for automated bill payment and processing system, improvement in meter reading system, no detection bill unless theft established, chairman complaint centre at headquarters level and relief package to industry.—APP