LAHORE: The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) is regaining glory of its past with brisk completion of the long-delayed projects in water and hydropower sectors during the last one-and-a-half year, said WAPDA Chairman Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain on Tuesday. “The vital task of commissioning the projects like Kachhi Canal, Golen Gol and Tarbela 4th Extension has been accomplished with expertise, sheer dedication and hard work of WAPDA team,” he said while addressing WAPDA employees at WAPDA House. The chairman said that the prime minister while addressing the inaugural ceremony of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project on March 10 had also acknowledged the ‘turn-around’ in WAPDA, saying that WAPDA had once again assumed its historic role it used to play 40 years ago. He said that the prime minister had also approved honouraria for WAPDA employees in recognition of their services for completing the projects of national importance. Dilating upon his priorities, the chairman said that the core function of WAPDA was to implement its projects in the shortest possible time with laid down quality standards. “Side by side, we are focused on the betterment of workforce as they are the precious treasure.” He added, “The role of every member of WAPDA family is equally important, hence, everyone has to play the given role with utmost commitment.” Giving a run-down of the measures taken by the present authority for welfare of WAPDA officials, the chairman said that WAPDA Medical College would be made functional by the end of this year, wherein children of employees, serving from grade 1 to 16 will be entitled to get free-of-the-cost education. He said that a cardiac centre was being set up at WAPDA Hospital Complex Lahore, while Gynae facilities were also being upgraded at the hospital to improve healthcare system. He said that planning of housing scheme was also on advanced stage to accommodate retiring WAPDA employees. Published in Daily Times, March 14th 2018.