Without naming names, the auditor general of Pakistan (AGP) has found faults with the design of the controversial Nandipur Power Project (NPP) and the decision-making of its management, board of directors and the Ministry of Water and Power. In the conclusion of an audit report, compiled on the orders of the prime minister, the AGP noted that the post of managing director was specially created for an officer and a low-capacity fuel oil treatment plan was installed. The AGP also noted that the final cost of the project was still within the approved limits of Rs58 billion. It did not report, however, that a revised cost estimate of Rs65bn was submitted to the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) early last month for inclusion in tariff setting. In the end, as the AGP report has suggested, the PML-N administration has proved to be like many dispensations before it — unwilling to make reasonable pledges and unable to deliver timely and cost-efficient results. In a way, it is almost beside the point that no gross corruption has apparently been unearthed by the AGP. Nandipur, in part because of the elevated status the government gave it, but also because of the political opposition’s gleeful and exaggerated allegations, has at the midway point of this government become a symbol.Electricity was the issue on which this government had staked its reputation and ability to deliver quickly and efficiently.Two and a half years on, aside from a heavy emphasis on power generation — perhaps tellingly similar to the PPP’s approach — there has been very little by way of power-sector reforms or overhaul of the transmission and distribution systems. Were it not for the oil prices bonanza, it is more than likely that the PML-N would be presiding over a similarly collapsing system as under the PPP. If there is a positive to be found in the Nandipur fiasco, it is that the PML-N, at least at the prime ministerial level, remains willing to acknowledge and confront mistakes and failures. But are lessons really being learned?
pk.shafaqna.com
