The Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) has identified 126 cases of financial irregularities in Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) projects during the audit of the 2023-24 financial year, involving a total of Rs466 billion in procurement, contracts, financial, asset, and other management issues, according to a news report.Â
The audit covered 110 formations of the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) and its entities, which reported expenditures of Rs236.55 billion and receipts of Rs103.746 billion.
Under the Annual Audit Plan 2024-25, 50 formations were audited for FY2023-24, covering Rs222.402 billion in expenditures and Rs102.624 billion in receipts, while an additional 13 formations were audited for FY2022-23, covering Rs11.991 billion in expenditures and Rs2.067 billion in receipts. The audit also included 27 financial attest audits, one impact audit, and a planned special study. Recovery pointed out in the report totals Rs9.586 billion, with Rs47.439 million recovered and verified in 2024.
The audit highlighted issues in procurement management worth Rs17.617 billion, contract management discrepancies of Rs67.79 billion, financial management lapses of Rs280.923 billion, asset management issues of Rs1.002 billion, bank account management irregularities of Rs5.866 billion, HR and employee-related problems of Rs2.035 billion, value-for-money and service delivery issues of Rs3.265 billion, and miscellaneous issues totaling Rs106.448 billion.
Wapda is executing major projects including Diamer Bhasha Dam, Dasu Hydropower Project, Tarbela 5th Extension, Mohmand Dam, Kurram Tangi Dam, and Nai Gaj Dam. The audit cited discrepancies in bid evaluations, violations of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority rules, non-adherence to contract clauses, and misuse of vehicles. Management has committed to recover Rs501.964 million from contractors and implement corrective measures to strengthen internal controls.
The audit also noted delays in the Greater Karachi Bulk Water Supply Scheme (K-IV), intended to supply 260 million gallons of water per day from Kinjhar Lake to Karachi. Contracts awarded between May and September 2022 have not achieved full progress despite the lapse of contractual deadlines.
