PML-N MPA submits resolution against Mohmand Dam contract

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Hina Pervaiz Butt on Friday submitted a resolution against the Mohmand Dam contract in the Punjab Assembly secretariat.

Awarding the Rs309 billion contract to a firm owned by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood depicted nepotism and violated merit, stated the resolution.

“Proposals of other firms were turned down to award the contract to a specific company. Was it not necessary to conduct the bidding process again after disqualification of other firms?” read the appeal.

Earlier, on Jan 3, Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda rejected the PML-N and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) demand to revoke the contract.

“Those demanding cancellation of the contract are hitching conspiracies. Such elements want to halt the country’s progress by making dams controversial,” Vawda said while speaking to the media.

The water minister said dams were a lifeline for the country, adding that he wouldn’t budge on the issue water reservoirs’ construction.

“The dam contract was awarded on merit,” he asserted and offered an impartial probe in this regard.  “We are not the people who would work for commission.”

On Jan 2, Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) Chairman Muzammil Hussain said the Mohmand Dam project was awarded to a joint venture comprising a Chinese company, Gezhouba, and Descon owned by Mr Dawood after fulfilling all legal formalities.

He said all the basic preparations had been made to start the construction work on the project within next two weeks. Hussain added that all legal, financial and technical issues concerning the project have been addressed.

The WAPDA chairman said the government was resolved to provide all necessary resources for completion of the project to ward off the water crisis and ensure food security in the country.