The Management of SSGC has clarified a news item titled "SSGC Accused of Violation of PEPRA Rules" that appeared in the Business Recorder on 24 August 2011. The facts with regard to the issues referred to in the article are stated hereunder: SSGC has not violated PEPRA Rules in any way and the Management empathetically states that the company has always adhered to laid down rules and regulations.
Bids for 24" diameter pre-coated line pipe invited through Newspaper advertisement, were limited to local manufacturers (SSGC/LP/PT/6490) who possessed valid API and ISO-9001 certifications due to the urgency for connecting Kunar-Pashaki Gas Field with SSGC's network by the fourth quarter of 2011 to meet the current and winter gas shortages in the country.
International bidders were excluded to save time; extended lead time of around 42-46 weeks would be required with the added risk of damage to 3-layer polyethylene coating on the pipe during shipment. Local supply lead time on the other hand requires 22-24 weeks with little or no chance of damage to the coating. This mode of procurement was adopted under PEPRA Rule 2004 Clause 42 d (iii) and therefore, there has been no violation as stated in the said article. Furthermore, mention of API specs Q1 certification in the tender notice is considered unnecessary since this condition formed a part of tender specifications since 2004, for procurement of high pressure transmission line pipe, to ensure the highest quality requirement.
SSGC would also like to clarify that for procurement of 12" diameter line pipe (SSGC/FP/PT/3902) bids were invited from both, local and foreign manufacturers for Mehar Gas Field Project because implementation of this project is not being undertaken on urgent basis, as the project completion schedule allows for international tendering.
The Managing Director, SSGC had informed the Chairman of National Assembly's Standing Committee that since he was required to attend the Company's Board Meeting scheduled to be held on the same day, a Senior General Manager would represent SSGC on his behalf. For the record, the concerned Senior General Manager did attend the meeting along-with a 'Chief Manager', and not as stated in the news item.-PR