Flawed planning of Akra Dam: Senate panel seeks action against concerned officials

A parliamentary panel has recommended action against the officials responsible for flawed planning of Akra Dam, as it failed to resolve water problem in Gwadar despite incurring huge loss to the national exchequer. "The cost of Akra Dam escalated to Rs 1 billion against the initial estimate of Rs 150 million, but neither the reservoir nor the dam is providing water to Gwadar," observed the subcommittee of Senate Standing Committee on Planning, Development and Reform, which met with Agha Shahzaib Khan Durrani in the chair here on Tuesday.
The convener said that the projects are being launched without proper planning. Huge amount is being spent on these projects from the national exchequer but the projects are being delayed. The committee met to find facts regarding Senate Starred question No 45 asked by Senator Mohammad Talha Mehmood and ascertain as where the money for Akra Dam went and who is to be blamed for failure, besides the issues regarding provision of clean drinking water to Gwadar and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
The committee also recommended action against the government officials responsible for Akra Dam feasibility report and PC-1 preparation and approval and directed for presenting the report before the committee. During the briefing, the committee was informed that Rs 1 billion were provided for the project. The government released the full payment in 2012. The plant was handed over to the provincial government in 2016, which remained operational only for 20 days.
The design of Gwadar water filtration plant was flawed. The rehabilitation of de-silitation project in Gwadar would cost Rs 800 million. Furthermore, the committee was informed that FWO and China want to operate the de-silitation plant in Gwadar and reduce per gallon water price. Pakistan lacks the capacity to run this project, maintained the officials.
The officials further said that advertisement has been given in newspapers, on which the committee recommended for including companies of international repute. Senator Mohsin Leghari said that the plant is not working due to the inability of the Balochistan provincial government. Senator Usman Khan Kakar said that there is water shortage in Gwadar and people are protesting.
A committee member said that repair work needed only Rs 1 million but the amount was not spent. He also recommended action against the officials involved in this negligence. The committee also decided to visit Gwadar. The project director said that it costs around Rs 180 -220 million per month on provision of water to Gwadar city. Over 180,000 gallons of water are being provided to entire district.
The committee decided to issue notices to chief secretary Balochistan and additional chief secretary Balochistan Development for not attending the meeting.