The sub committee of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the National Assembly on Saturday took serious notice of Rs 174.509 million loss due to improper implementation of Nara and Jamrao Canals project by Wapda in 2005-06. The committee directed the Water and Power Ministry to fix the responsibility on the concerned officials and submit a report to the committee within 25 days in this regard.
The meeting, chaired by Riaz Hussain Pirzada was held here in the Parliament House to review audit reports of Ministry of Water and Power for the year 2005-06. An audit report revealed that the national exchequer suffered Rs 174.509 million loss due to delay in the completion of Nara and Jamrao Canals project by Wapda in 2005-06.
The official of Wapda apprised the committee that Wapda could not be held responsible for these financial irregularities. He said that reply should be sought from Water and Power Ministry as Wapda was working under the ministry.
Riaz Hussain Pirzada said that it should be inquired from the concerned ministry, chief secretary and irrigation secretary Sindh that where the amount had been spent. He said that stern action would be taken if the ministry failed to provide the report to the committee within 25 days. He suggested the ministry to file case against the Sindh government if it did not reply in this regard.
An another audit report revealed that due to purchase of security equipment at exorbitant rates, an amount of Rs 2.067 million was paid in excess. The committee was apprised that recovery was being made in this regard.
The convenor of the committee said that the government has introduced a good tradition by appointing the Leader of Opposition as a Chairman of Public Account Committee. The committee has full support of President and the Prime Minister, he added. He also appreciated Wapda for doing outstanding job in these critical circumstances. Officials of water and power ministry, Wapda and audit department also attended the meeting.