The Punjab Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee-I (PAC-I) has ordered an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities in the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), directing the Finance department to submit a report within two days after completing its investigation.
Committee Meeting and Audit Observations
The committee meeting, chaired by Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain Chhachhar, reviewed audit observations relating to the Housing, Urban Development and Public Health Engineering Department, including its attached agency, WASA. Officials from the Punjab Assembly and relevant government departments attended the meeting.
During the scrutiny of audit paras, the committee was informed that the audit report had pointed to the purchase of substandard material at inflated prices, raising concerns over possible financial losses to the national exchequer. The committee also took notice of alleged excess payments made due to over-measurement of WASA manholes.
Chairman’s Reprimand and Response
Chairman Iftikhar Hussain Chhachhar reprimanded the Director General of WASA over the issue, observing that negligence on the part of the department’s engineering staff was causing losses to the public treasury. Responding to the committee’s concerns, the DG WASA said project costs had increased because contractors failed to complete works within the stipulated time. The PAC chairman, however, maintained that it was the department’s responsibility to ensure contractors completed projects according to the timelines specified in the tender documents.
Directive for Inquiry and Improved Governance
Expressing dissatisfaction over the reported irregularities, the committee directed the Finance Department to conduct an inquiry and submit its findings within two days. The Public Accounts Committee also instructed the departments concerned to improve governance, strengthen monitoring mechanisms and ensure greater financial discipline to prevent similar irregularities in the future.
