Sindh sets up ‘focal group’ to frame rules for public procurement
Addressing workshop on ‘Sindh Procurement Reforms’, Mahr on behalf of Chief Secretary Sindh announced names of focal group members. They were Shafiq Mausvi DG Works and Services Department, Ms Naheed Shah of S&GAD, Aziz Uqaili Add. Secretary Finance, Capt Majid Khan Add Health Secretary, Ms Uzma Sadaf procurement specialist of World Bank, Adil Geelani of Transparency International and Khalid Khan, head of Public Management Unit (PMU), the government of Punjab.
The core group would submit its report within 30 days for preparing roadmap to improve better accountability and transparency environment in Sindh.He announced that after developing separate procurement rules, Sindh would not be bound for following the Federal Government’s procurement regulations.
Khaid Javed, MD Federal PPRA (Public Procurement Regulatory Authority) pointed out that PPRA was established in 2004 as donors have continuously expressed concerns over misuse of funds since 1992 as much money lost in corruption. He admitted that defence ministry and defence productions were exempted from PPRA rules ‘for time being.
Adil Geelani of Transparency International, Pakistan regretted that officials of certain departments, especially engineering had set up private firms to seek consultancy. He pointed out that capacity building was enshrined in policies of donors but it had never happened in Pakistan.
Khalid Khan, head of PMU, government of Punjab defended consultancy in terms of ensuring faultless design or project. He said now even up to 60-storey buildings were being constructed in Pakistan, for which the country lacked experts and it necessitated hiring consultants. He said when the contractors were earning huge money through projects, then what was harm in giving certain amount to consultants to avoid faulty design.
Source: The Nation
Date:1/21/2007
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