ISLAMABAD : The matter of alleged awarding of contracts to a blacklisted company in MEPCO has landed in the Power Division which is likely to send it to a forum to probe it, well informed sources told Newzshwez.
Engineer Saif Ullah Surrani, retired Chief Engineer (Development) PMU, MEPCO, in a letter to CEO MEPCO, a copy of which has also been to Power Minister, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, has reiterated that the firm was blacklisted on ‘extreme poor performance’, ‘on recommendations of D.G.Audit (Power) Lahore’ and in the best interest of MEPCO.
However, individual’s conception prevailed and imperfect enquiry committee has been constituted without including Finance, Contract cell and Consultant’s representatives. The motive of formulation of said committee and result is anticipated. He has sought attention to following facts for inquiry ;
1:- the work for Dajal Grid Station was awarded to blacklist firm on September 15, 2023. The contractor abstained to take over site and finally XEN ‘T&G’C Multan notified effective date as November 28, 2023 leading to completion of March 27, 2024 (120 days). The work at site is suspended and from November 28, 2023 to uptill now i.e. February 14,.2025 only about 14% work has been executed and 86% work is pending even after elapse of 345 days. Draft Para in this regard has been framed by Audit and no one can justify the delay / non-completion of work.
2- The work for Fatima Jinnah Town Grid Station colony was awarded to blacklisted firm on November 01, 2021. The effective date of work was November 04,2021 leading to completion date as May 02, 2022 (180 days). The work is still incomplete i.e. 14.02.2025. Draft Para has also been framed by Audit.
According to him. question does arise, have the serious nature structural discrepancies as pointed out in enquiry report been rectified by the blacklisted firm at Fatima Jinnah Grid Station colony even after 985 days?
4- The project of Arif Wala – Hota – Bahawal Nagar (River Zone) T/Line which was to be completed on August 15, 2024 has been completed by the said firm. What action has been taken so far for delay in completion and using substandard material in pile foundations as per Consultant’s letter No. EnMasse/MEPCO/T-L/0101 of January 1, 2025 ?
Engineer Saif Ullah is of the view that it has repeatedly been requested that MEPCO’s interest must be safeguarded and necessary ‘Loss Assessment Committee’ for entire works carried out by blacklisted firm be constituted to recover MEPCO’s loss. Contrary to that, imperfect enquiry committee has been constituted to extend undue favour to blacklisted contractor and against the MEPCO’s interest.
After sharing the background of faults in MEPCO’s contract awarding mechanism, he has requested CEO MEPCO that the office orders of mentioned contracts be withdrawn abinitio and a fresh enquiry committee comprising on officer of DISCOs’ Support Unit, Finance representative, officer of Contract Cell / Consultant may be constituted or in case of extreme and immense pressure the complete case containing all details of 25No. notices, Audit Paras and current status of delayed works (with commencement and completion dates) be referred to appropriate forum i.e. PPRA Islamabad instead of individual’s conception or self-conclusion.
Ends
