APROPOS the letter ‘Wapda billing blues’, (Sept 25), I would like to explain Wapda’s mandate in the backdrop of power-sector reforms.

I would like to point out that subsequent to bifurcation of Wapda’s power wing in 2007, it now only deals with the construction of dams and hydropower projects and operation and maintenance of the existing hydel power stations.

Except for hydel generation in the public sector, all other matters related to electricity, including billing which has been referred to in the said letter, come under the domain of power generation, transmission and distribution companies (DISCOs).

These companies are functioning independently and WAPDA has no relationship with them whatsoever. Thus holding Wapda responsible for an act that does not fall within its mandate seems unfair.

Muhammad Abid

Director Public Relations Division Wapda Lahore

Published in Dawn, September 27th , 2014