Dam project irregularities exposed by Balochistan PAC

The provincial irrigation department completed a project at a cost of Rs18 billion, when the initial cost was Rs9 billion, according to the Public Account Committee of the Balochistan Assembly, which on Thursday discovered financial irregularities in various dam projects the department had undertaken.

In a recent meeting led by Chairman Asghar Ali Tareen, the Balochistan Public Accounts Committee (PAC) raised concerns over delays and financial issues in the provincial dam projects.

The irrigation department had been tasked with building 100 small dams across Balochistan, initially set to be completed by 2020.

However, despite the project starting in 2017-18, only 11 dams have been completed so far.

The PAC voiced frustration over this significant delay, questioning the department’s handling of funds and project timelines.

Additionally, the committee highlighted financial irregularities, noting that the irrigation department continued to supply water to the Lasbela Industrial Estate Development Authority, even though it owed Rs247 million in unpaid dues.

The committee pressed the irrigation department to halt water supply until the dues are cleared, emphasizing the need for stricter financial accountability.

The PAC warned that continued negligence in project execution and fund management could harm essential water infrastructure in the province.