An audit report has alleged an overpayment of Rs14.263 million to a contractor for painting works at Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), citing irregularities in the execution and billing of the project during the 2022-23 financial year.
Audit Findings and Alleged Irregularities
According to the audit report, the university recorded expenditure of Rs14.263 million on painting its buildings. However, auditors found through record scrutiny and site inspections that most of the buildings had already been painted and required only additional coats to maintain the existing surfaces. The report stated that the project’s PC-I provided for only the remaining necessary work rather than complete repainting or renovation.
Despite this, the audit alleged that payments were made for full wall scraping, wall putty and the application of a first coat, although these works were not considered necessary on surfaces that had already been painted. The report further stated that only limited scraping of damaged sections was required, but records indicated that payments had been made for scraping entire buildings, resulting in what it described as an alleged loss of Rs14.263 million to the national exchequer.
Weak Oversight and Lack of Response
The audit attributed the irregularity to weak administrative oversight and inadequate financial controls. According to the audit, the university administration was asked to explain the matter but had not responded by the time the report was finalised. It added that the department was requested on August 29, 2024, to convene a Departmental Accounts Committee (DAC) meeting, followed by a reminder on December 31, 2024, but no meeting had been held when the audit was completed.
Recommendations for Recovery and Action
The audit recommended the recovery of the alleged overpayment from the contractor and called for departmental action against officials found responsible, subject to the outcome of the relevant proceedings.
