Wapda clarifies

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Water Recourses while contradicting the news item titled "Diamer-Basha Dam; Evaluation report contrary to PPRA, PEC Rules" published in daily Business Recorder on March 24, 2020, has clarified that the news story is baseless and devoid of facts. The Evaluation of the Diamer Basha Dam Contract has been strictly carried out, maintaining highest level of transparency without any shadow of doubt of violating any Rule and Regulations.
WAPDA awards contracts on the basis of guidelines of PEC/PPRA on Competitive Bidding Process.
It is further clarified that the evaluated bid price Eq Pak Rs 361.96/ billion is well within the limit allowed for award as per rules. The evaluated bid price is Eq PKR 361.96 billion and other amounts are related to provisional sum and contingency. The approved PC-I was based on the price of 2016 when the conversion rate of US Dollar was Pak Rs. 105.30/.
The price bid is based on July-2019 when the conversion rate of US Dollar was Pak Rs 160.75/. If the impact of Dollar Parity along with the escalation is considered the Evaluated Price is less than the provision of PC-I.
It is also clarified that an international competitive bidding was adopted and no violation of any rule was carried out.
The news is based on a letter by Suleman Najib Khan who is an electrical engineer and convener of an NGO.
Diamer Basha Dam Project have gone through different stages before the finalization of Design, which included Pre-Feasibility (1984) by Montreal Engineering Company of Canada (MONENCO), feasibility study (2002-2004) by NEAC Consultants (NESPAK, ACE, Binnie Black & Veatch, UK, MWH, USA), Engineering Design & Tender Documentation (2005-2008) and Diamer Basha Consultants (Lahmeyer International Germany, NDC, BARQAAAB, PES).
In addition, International Panel of Experts reviewed documents in 1988 (appointed by World Bank), during Feasibility (2002-2004) and Detailed Engineering Design (2005-2008) studies.
The above studies proved that the project is technically viable and overall effect will be monumental. WAPDA awards contracts on the basis of guidelines of PEC / PPRA on Competitive Bidding Process. Induction of two international consulting firms of the choice of individuals is not possible.
WAPDA has adopted all measures to ensure transparency and compliance to relevant laws, rules & regulations.-PR