Schemes: Officials held responsible for irregularities

The team evaluated 140 schemes and submitted its recommendations for abnormal delay in completion of projects

PESHAWAR: Almost 30 officers of National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK) and Provisional Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (PERRA) were held responsible for irregularities in different schemes being carried out in earthquake affected districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

This was revealed at the 21st Provincial Steering Committee Meeting of PERRA, a handout stated.

According to the document issued on Wednesday, the committee had tasked a team to evaluate 140 schemes and submit its recommendations for abnormal delay in completion of projects.

The enquiry team in its findings pointed out that projects were awarded in 2007-08 and could have been completed within stipulated time as flow of funds was regular and mobilisation advance had been paid to contractors. It also opposed price adjustments and suggested price escalation be frozen at the original completion date.

Another enquiry also suggested probing into lapses for delay in reconstruction of 17-kilometre road from Mansehra to Lassan Nawab and recommended stern action against executing agencies.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2016.