LESCO fails to fairly probe deadly accidents

CEO says he has ordered completion of inquiries to take action against those involved

LAHORE:

Transmission line accident of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) Renala Khurd grid station, Chichoki Mills Warehouse fire, Kot Lakhpat Grid Station building collapse and bogus tendering inquiries could not be completed even after a year lapsed, official sources said.

 Sources within the company asserted that the officers involved in malpractice still hold office in the power company and some have even secured promotions despite ongoing probes.

 Reportedly, a pylon had fallen while laying the transmission lines of LESCO 132KV Renala Khurd Grid Station due to substandard material used in its foundation.

 The accident killed one worker on the spot while another passed away during treatment at the hospital.

The collapsed pylon has raised serious concerns about the strength of the newly laid 132KV transmission line in the area.

 In another incident featuring bad construction, six workers were wounded when the roof of Walton Grid Station, nearing completion, caved in.

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 Once again use of inferior building material was blamed for the accident.

The electricity company’s officials requesting anonymity revealed that the building contracts had been awarded to already blacklisted contractors who used substandard construction materials that claimed lives of workers and injured many.

A fire at LESCO warehouse in Chichoki Mills had also served a blow of millions of rupees to the company, which too awaits proper inquiry.

 Moreover, callous awarding of contract to a higher bidder by LESCO PMU department in Tender No 350 also raised suspicions of foul play by officials.

 During the last three years, several scandals related to corruption, irregularities and nepotism have emerged at LESCO putting the electricity supply company to shame.

 LESCO Chief Executive Officer Chaudhry Amin told The Express Tribune that he has ordered the completion of all pending and incomplete probes to take action against corrupt elements.

“Inquiries that were terminated against merit or with unsatisfactory results will be reviewed,” he added