United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has launched “Quick Impact Lineman Training Program” through the US Government aimed at help in saving thousands of linemen in Pakistan.
At the concluding session of the training program held on Friday at the WAPDA Staff College, Deputy Chief of party of USAID’s Power Distribution Program officially handed over linemen safety training tools to the Regional Training Centre (RTC), Islamabad Electric Supply Company (IESCO).
USAID has already provided safety trainings to over 415 linemen of Hyderabad Electric Power Company (HESCO) and will provide training to thousands more in the coming months.
While addressing the trainees and visiting dignitaries, Mr. Saleem Arif, Deputy Chief of Party USAID Power Distribution Program said, “The U.S. Government recognizes the importance of safety and the part it plays in system reliability and loss reduction.” “We are committed to developing the right resources for linemen to help drastically improve their safety and facilitate their work,” he noted.
In closing, Saleem Arif stated, “The U.S. Government supports Pakistan to bring improvements to DISCOs’ systems to improve electricity availability and flow to the consumers.”
US Secretary of State, Clinton, to support Pakistan’s energy situation, announced the three-year USAID Program in 2009.
Through this program of Power Distribution, the US Government provides assistance to the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to reform the power sector and thus mitigate the energy crisis.
The program is helping government-owned electric power distribution companies to improve their performance in terms of reduced losses, increased revenues, and enhanced customer services.
Uncle Sam lays it on the line
