ISLAMABAD- UNS : The Senate Standing Committee on Economic Affairs has expressed serious concern over delays, rising interest costs and alleged financial and procurement irregularities in the 765kV Dasu-Islamabad Transmission Line Project.
The committee met under Senator Saifullah Abro and reviewed progress on the project’s four lots, including tendering, imported materials, physical construction and funding.
Officials informed the committee that Rs76 billion had been received from donors, while Rs9 billion had already been paid in interest. Senator Abro said financing for the transmission line carried a 12 per cent interest cost and criticised the slow pace of construction.
He also questioned the procurement and storage of imported equipment before the construction of required towers.
Power Division officials said Rs17 billion of the Rs19 billion requested last year had been provided, while another Rs12 billion was released recently. Senator Kamil Ali Agha sought details of the interest liability arising from delayed fund releases.
