Audit says IIA siphon drainage system faulty due to negligence

Report shows drainage system of airport was choked after rains last year

ISLAMABAD:

The auditor general (AG) audit report on Monday revealed negligence in the installation of the siphon drainage system in the passenger terminal building of the Islamabad International Airport (IIA). The AG has requested that action be taken against the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) officials responsible for financial irregularities.

The drainage system in the building was installed for Rs70.2 million but the airport’s building starts dripping after every spell of rain.

The AG pointed out shortcomings in the audit report 2020-21 and revealed negligence in the installation of an expensive siphon drainage system in the passenger terminal building.

The report stated that the drainage system of the airport was completely choked after the rains on August 14 last year. Owing to leakage, the Concourse Hall, Domestic Arrival Lounge, CIP Lounge and International Departure Area were inundated while the false ceiling also fell at different locations.

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The audit report further read that either a proper drainage system was not used or the siphon drainage system was not designed according to the rains. It added that the CAA officials’ negligence made the drainage system inoperable while the estimate of damage has not been calculated either.

The audit report said that the matter was raised in August and September last year but the project management did not respond. The auditor has recommended action against irregularities and a probe into the matter.

Meanwhile, the sight of a snake in the VIP Lounge caused panic among the passengers and the staff working at the airport.

The frightened passengers immediately reported about the serpent said to be around one-metre long to the airport officials. The reptile had already been killed by Airport Security Force personnel using sticks by the time the CAA bird shooters reached the spot.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10^th, 2021.