WASA 'fails to satisfy' CM inspection team

Rawalpindi Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf and Deputy Managing Director Zeeshan Shaukat Gondal appeared before the Punjab Chief Minister's Inspection Team in Lahore to explain alleged irregularities in the awarding of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded Chahan Dam Water Supply project contract.

However, sources said the officials failed to satisfy the inspection team, and a final report will soon be submitted to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

They said the contract for Lot 2 and Lot 3 of the Chahan Dam Water Supply Project, valued at Rs20.4 billion, was awarded solely to the Turkish company Five H Insaat, despite a successful joint bid by Five H Insaat and the Pakistani company Qasim & Co.

In response, Qasim & Co. challenged the decision in court, prompting the matter to be brought to CM Maryam Nawaz's attention.

Concerned over transparency violations, she ordered a fact-finding inquiry by CMIT, directing the team to submit a report within seven days.

Following the directive, Chief Minister's Inspection Team Chairman Salman Ijaz, along with members Ahsan Waheed, Ghulam Abbas Warraich, and an engineering expert, initiated the investigation.

WASA MD Muhammad Saleem Ashraf and DMD Zeeshan Shaukat Gondal were summoned to Lahore with all relevant records.

Sources reveal that during the initial inquiry, both officials failed to provide satisfactory answers to the team's questions, leaving the inspection team unconvinced.

The investigation is examining all aspects of the case, particularly why a contract worth Rs20.4 billion was awarded in violation of transparency laws and regulations and whether it was done under pressure or on someone's instructions.

The fact-finding report will be presented to CM Maryam Nawaz, who will decide on any action against those responsible.