Negligence of Wapda: PAC panel takes notice of Rs 174.509 million loss

The sub committee of Public Accounts Committee of National Assembly has taken serious notice of Rs 174.509 million loss due to Wapda negligence in 2005-06. The sub committee in its meeting held here on Saturday with its chairman Riaz Hussain Pirzada reviewed the audit paras of the water and power ministry for the year 2005-06.
The PAC body detected Rs 174.509 million loss due to improper implementation of Nara and Jamrao Canals project by Wapda in 2005-06. The committee directed the ministry to fix the responsibility on the officials concerned and submit a report to the committee within 25 days. The Wapda official asked the sub committee not to fix responsibility on Wapda for the financial irregularities.
"The PAC should seek report from the ministry as Wapda was working under the ministry," the officials opined. Pirzada directed the ministry, chief secretary and irrigation secretary Sindh to brief the committee within 25 days as to how the irregularities occurred. "We want to know that where the amount had been spent," he added.
He reiterated that strict action will be taken against the ministry if it failed to provide a detailed report to the committee within 25 days. "We can not tolerate it as it is complete negligence of Wapda and the water and power ministry," he remarked.
He said that the ministry should file a suit against Sindh government if it did not reply within the stipulated period given by the sub committee. The sub-committee also detected another loss of Rs 2.067 million in the purchase of security equipment by Wapda. The authorities told the committee that an inquiry has bee conducted and recovery would be made soon.
Pirzada said the government has introduced a good tradition by appointing the leader of opposition as a PAC chairman. The committee has full support of the President and the Prime Minister, he added. "The ministries and other departments should come fully prepared before PAC. We want to clear the backlog and ensure good governance. Your co-operation in this regard will be appreciated, " he added.