PACRA Maintains Rating of WAPDA | Sukuk | May-17

The Water and Power Development Authority of Pakistan (WAPDA) is in the process of the construction of the DASU hydropower project (Dasu). Dasu, once completed would become the second-largest hydel project in Pakistan. Dasu stage 1 (2,160 MW) is expected to complete by 2023 with a cost of PKR 510.980bln (USD ~3.179bln). For partial financing of the project, WAPDA is issuing debt instruments worth PKR 88bln (TFCs: 35.2bln, Sukuks: 52.8bln) in multiple tranches. For this purpose in May 2017 first tranche of debt instruments has been issued while the second tranche has been issued in Jul 2021.
The ratings of PPTFCs (Tranche 1: PKR 10bln, Tranche 2: PKR 4.235bln) and Sukuks (Tranche 1: PKR 15bln, Tranche 2: PKR 6.353bln) reflects an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee by the Government of Pakistan (GoP). The guarantee covers the payment of the total outstanding amount of the instruments and related profit components. GoP would pay the entire called amount immediately upon receiving a demand notice from the trustee. Additionally, WAPDA is maintaining a debt payment account (DPA) under the exclusive lien of the trustee. Within the first fifteen days of each month, WAPDA deposits an amount equal to 1/6th of the upcoming installment in the DPA. The rating apart from a debt payment and guarantee mechanism recognizes WAPDA's strategic importance as the major hydroelectric power supplier to the country. WAPDA generated 32,295GWh electricity in FY20. WAPDA expects to generate an additional ~8,070MW by the completion of new hydel projects in the next four years.
WHE's financial profile draws comfort from strong cash flows. However, it remains dependent on repayment behavior of power purchaser. Continued compliance with the predefined covenants of PPTFC, including maintenance of DPA would remain critical. The watch has been removed since the audited financial statements of the issuer for FY20 are now obtained along with the auditor's report.

About the Entity
The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) hydro electri (WHE), was established through an act of parliament in February 1958 (WAPDA Act 1958) for development and maintenance of water and power resources. WHE has 19 projects with total hydel generation capacity of 8,420MW.

About the Instrument
WAPDA has issued Sukuks of PKR 15bln in May-17 for a period of 15 years as first tranche. Second tranche of PKR 6.35bln has been issued in July 2021. The instrument shall be redeemed in 20 equal semiannual instalments starting from May-23. Profit will be paid semiannually in arrears at 6M Kibor + 145bps. Till date WAPDA has made nine profit payments on Sukkuks. The profit paid to the Sukuk certificates holders as of Nov-21 is PKR 665mln.