With a view to providing relief to electricity consumers, the federal government is contemplating to take some important decisions for rationalising the power tariff.
Federal Minister for Water and Power Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao told newsmen here on Thursday that the task force formed by the federal government for rationalising the power tariff has finalised its report, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Water and Power during next two days.
In the light of the recommendation of this task force, the government would make important decisions regarding power tariff revision.
He said: "Privatisation of Wapda is in the larger interests of the country and efforts are under way to speed up privatisation process."
"The investors are showing enthusiasm for buying different companies of the Wapda, selected for privatisation," he said, adding, "these companies/projects included Karachi Electric Supply Corporation, Faisalabad Electric Supply Company, Peshawar Electric Supply Company and Jamshoro Power Generation Project."
To a question, he said, "the Wapda is making efforts to create a balance in its privatisation process by offering its weak as well as profit-earning units for privatisation."
The government would also keep its share in the units to be privatised. At present, he said, "Wapda is carrying out work on 41 development projects, including 27 hydel and 14 water projects." Wapda is completing 21 developmental projects through its own resources, he said.
WATER SHORTAGE: He said: "The country is facing 10 percent shortage of water, which would remain intact till the construction of a water reservoir project."
He further said that political and technical committees, set up by the federal government to achieve consensus on the construction of new water reservoirs, were likely to complete its reports before June 2004.
He said: "Work is in progress to complete the feasibility study of Akhori dam project."
Answering a question, he said that services rendered by the Pakistan army officials for the betterment of Wapda are commendable.
He dispelled the impression of having poor working relations with the new Chairman Wapda.