ISLAMABAD: The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has raised serious concerns about the transparency and financial management of several foreign-funded development projects in Sindh, particularly in the housing and solar energy sectors. The committee, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, also pointed to irregularities in national transmission infrastructure initiatives.
During the meeting, senators scrutinized the Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), which aims to provide solar systems to low-consumption households. Officials reported that only 23,000 systems had been distributed out of the 200,000 planned. Senator Abro criticized the lack of clarity in implementation, questioning the rationale for demanding Rs6,000 upfront from households consuming less than 20 units of electricity—those most in need.
He further highlighted inconsistencies in procurement, noting that the systems’ cost had inexplicably jumped from an initial Rs10,000 bid to Rs32,000. Contracts were awarded to three companies, including one Chinese firm, from 18 bidders. The panel also questioned why 10% of project costs were paid to NGOs, far exceeding the typical 2% consultancy rates.
Senator Kamil Ali Agha raised further objections about NGO involvement and discrepancies in beneficiary data, with reports of up to 20 solar panels being allocated to a single household. The committee resolved to formally request detailed beneficiary records from the Sindh government and demanded a 20-year record of five NGOs involved in the projects.
In reviewing housing projects for flood-affected citizens, the committee raised alarms over the Rs22 billion allocated for 2.1 million houses, noting that Rs10,500 per house was routed to NGOs—prompting calls for accountability.
The committee also scrutinized the NTDC’s 765kV Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project, pointing to a possible Rs1.282 billion financial discrepancy. Officials admitted that the amount was not included in the original letter of acceptance but was later added to the signed agreement. Senator Abro demanded investigations by the FIA and NAB into potential bidding violations and directed inquiries against NTDC board members.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
