Senate Committee Calls for Accountability in Delayed Power Projects
The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Senator Saifullah Abro, raised serious concerns over delays and lack of accountability in foreign-funded power sector projects. Meeting on Tuesday, the Committee examined ongoing and completed projects managed by the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) under multilateral and bilateral agreements, including project proposals, tendering processes, consultant engagements, and progress reports from 2002 to date.
Key Issues Highlighted
Special Secretary Economic Affairs provided updates on project progress, but Senator Abro noted that no project had been fully completed. Citing the Tarbela 5th Extension Hydropower Project (T5HP) under the World Bank, he expressed concerns over defects identified post-contract signing in July 2022. Abro questioned whether performance guarantees were secured before finalizing agreements and emphasized transparency in procurement and execution.
The NTDC’s Deputy Managing Director acknowledged inefficiencies in procurement processes, announcing that a revised procurement policy, incorporating anti-corruption clauses, would be finalized by April 2025. The Committee requested the Ministry to share a draft of the revised policy and sought details of officials responsible for delays.
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Dasu HPP Transmission Line Delays
Progress on the Dasu Hydropower Project’s 765kV transmission line was a focal point. Of 252 planned towers, only 114 foundations had been completed, with just 83 towers erected. Abro demanded a detailed Gantt Chart and firm deadlines for pending work. He also criticized the lack of comprehensive Terms of Reference (TORs) and raised concerns about inefficiencies in bidding documents.
Lot IV Irregularities
For Lot IV of the Dasu HPP transmission line, the Committee discovered discrepancies in tax calculations. The initial bid of Rs. 35 billion excluded Rs. 1.2 billion in taxes, which were later added during contract signing. The Committee demanded recovery of the additional amount and action against involved officials.
Broader Accountability Measures
The Committee scrutinized NTDC’s hiring practices, calling for transparent criteria for consultant appointments. It also requested lists of key experts, bidding data sheets, and tender documents. The Provincial Irrigation and Transport Departments in Sindh were also advised to improve project efficiency and accountability. The Secretary Economic Affairs was directed to correspond with Sindh’s Chief Secretary to ensure compliance in future meetings.
Participants and Recommendations
The meeting, attended by Senators Kamran Murtaza, Falak Naz, Kamil Ali Agha, and Haji Hidayatullah Khan, concluded with unanimous recommendations to tighten accountability, recover misallocated funds, and ensure transparency in future power sector projects.
