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29th Wapda middle

management

course begins

LAHORE: The concluding ceremony of the 29th Wapda Middle Management Course was held at the Wapda Auditorium here on Thursday morning. The NWFP Chief Minister, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao was the chief guest on this occasion.

In his concluding remarks, Aftab Sherpao said that the NWFP wanted Wapda more viable and profit-earning institution as most of its (Wapda's) net profit went to the province, forming a big chunk of the provincial budget.

He said that the Federal Government was endeavouring for the self-sufficiency of the country in the field of power. It had come up with projects in both hydel and thermal sectors.

He said, after Water Apportionment Accord, the time was ripe to give assistance to various provinces for the utilization of the water resources.

While talking about the on-going project for linking Chitral with the National Grid System, he said that just before a few years, the idea was considered something uptopian. But last year, he added, the Wapda instlled poles and wires in the area through impassable Lowari top, making an inconceivable thing possible.

"Inshallah, within next two months, Chitral will be integrated with the national grid", Sherapo hoped.

He said that it would be the biggest land mark in the country's history if Wapda helped achieve self-sufficiency in electricity.

Speaking on this occasion, Chairman Wapda, Engr. Shamsul Mulk said that Pakistan's economic structure propped up on two main pillars i.e. Water and Power.

He said that with the concerted efforts, Wapda was executing the project which were previously considered impracticable. "The feasibility study conducted by the British in 1920s showed that the Chashma Right Bank Canal project was not viable; but we are today constructing it", he added.

He said that defence of a country on economic frontiers was very important. As in recent past, he added, a super power whose economic power got eroded, could not keep itself intact.

Shamsul Mulk said that per capita annual water resources were depleting in the country with the passage of time. "After 15 to 20 years, we will have to make struggle for the conservation of every drop of water. This natural resource will remain no longer a luxury", he warned.

Earlier, Principal Wapda Staff College, Brig. Amjad Aziz Adrees Mir outlined the activities of the institution.-APP