THE Senate Standing Committee on Power has been informed
that two units each of Chashma and Mangla hydroelectric power projects had been closed since 2016 and 2017 respectively as the Government was not releasing funds for import of parts for them. The Committee has sought report from WAPDA about losses on account of closure of these units.
The highlighting of the issue and queries from WAPDA might sensitize the Authority as well as the Government about the urgency to take measures for maintenance of these units so that they begin contributing to the national grid. This also shows the parliamentary oversight can help resolve critical problems if Committees are allowed to function as envisaged in the constitutional scheme of things. The Committee has rightly pointed out that why people were deprived of cheaper hydropower because of closure of these four units for several years and why the Government sat over demands for release of funds. This is contrary to the public commitments of both the previous and the present governments to focus on the hydel-power addition so as to increase its share in the energy mix that could lead to reduction in the overall power tariff. It is also strange that on the one hand the Government is spending billions of dollars on establishment of new power plants but is not willing to release required funds for repair and maintenance of the existing units. The episode also confirms the general impression that sufferings of the masses have much to do with apathy, slackness and indecision of the authorities concerned. We hope that the energetic Minister for Power Omar Ayub Khan would take notice of the situation and ensure prompt release of funds for these units so that repair work is undertaken at the earliest. While appreciating the work of the Senate Standing Committee on Power in this regard, we would urge its Chairman and members to increase vigilance to safeguard interests of the people.
