ISLAMABAD: The Sindh Government has acknowledged significant misappropriations and irregularities in the USD 100 million World Bank-funded Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP) and has initiated a formal inquiry against the culprits.
A senior official informed the Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs that, under directions from the Sindh Cabinet, the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) is conducting a thorough investigation, including a forensic audit. Committee Chairman Senator Saifullah Abro expressed shock over findings that solar panels costing Rs 20,000 were being sold at Rs 60,000, with multiple panels distributed to single families in Larkana.
The committee lauded the Chief Minister of Sindh for taking swift action against NGOs involved in irregularities and urged full provincial cooperation. It also directed the submission of details regarding tax payments made to contractors and confirmed the attendance of the Provincial Secretary, Planning and Development, at the next meeting.
In addition, the committee reviewed the implementation of prior recommendations and assessed the progress of ongoing power and infrastructure projects funded by multilateral agencies, including the Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line Project, ADB-financed ACSR Bunting Conductor issue, and other irrigation and communication projects in Balochistan.
Serious concerns were raised over the non-recovery of Rs 1.282 billion in sales tax paid to a contractor for the 765kV Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line (Lot-IV). The committee directed that the Economic Affairs Division inform the Prime Minister of the findings and recommended recovery of the amount, urging strict action against negligent audit officers.
The committee also highlighted delays in the Dasu–Islamabad Transmission Line Project due to pending No Objection Certificates (NOC) from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities and the potential daily loss of Rs 2 billion without a functional transmission network. Authorities were instructed to commence tower erection on available sites and resolve right-of-way issues promptly.
Concerns were also raised over prolonged delays in Balochistan projects funded by multilateral, bilateral, and UN assistance. The matter will be further discussed in the next committee meeting in Balochistan for more effective oversight.
The meeting was attended by Senators Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Syed Waqar Mehdi, Falak Naz, Rubina Khalid, Kamran Murtaza, and Kamil Ali Agha.
Story by Hamza Habib
