ISLAMABAD: The theft of expensive machinery and electrical equipment has come to light in the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

However, the authority does not appear to have taken remedial measures to recover the stolen items. Sources said that in some cases, the CDA made half hearted attempts to register FIRs but did not follow them for several years.

Sources said that while constructing the Zero Point interchange, a Rs2.3 billion rupee project, around six years ago, the CDA failed to reach those responsible for misplacing or stealing three transformers along with other electrical equipment.

The transformers – which had capacities of 63KVA, 25KVA and 100KVA – and electric cables, light fixtures, streetlight poles, circuit breakers and other items were not found at the site.

The matter came to light a couple of weeks ago, when federal auditors inspected the site and examined the CDA’s electrical and mechanical department’s records.

“The matter [missing or stolen transformers etc] was referred to police department for lodging FIRs, however, FIRs were not got lodged so far despite lapse of more than six years period in most of the cases,” the audit document, which may be made part of the upcoming federal audit report, stated.

Federal auditors find three transformers, other equipment missing from Zero Point interchange construction site

Auditors also noted while scrutinising the street light division’s records that although 413 transformers for streetlights were installed at various sites, the asset register/inventory showed that the accounts and monitoring/physical verification of the transformers was not regularly maintained.

“It was also observed that that the payment amounting to Rs 34.148 million was made to the IESCO against Demand Notices for replacement/installations of 66 transformers during the period from July 2006 to December 2016,” the audit para revealed.

Highlighting the three missing transformers from the Zero Point interchange case, the auditors said the contractor for the interchange construction project was responsible for replacing stolen material.

The CDA told the auditors: “Material stolen from zero point was brought into the notice of SHO Police Station Aabpara for lodging FIR and investigation which is still under process.”

The Zero Point interchange project director Mumtaz Hussain said the transformers in question were installed by the contractor, and if they were stolen or missing from the site, the CDA/MCI’s electrical and mechanical directorate should be asked for an update.

Sources in the CDA said that electric cables and light bulbs have been stolen from various sports grounds in the city, including the G-7 hockey ground and the G-9 cricket ground from where unidentified individuals stole floodlights.

When contacted, CDA Member Engineering Asad Mehboob Kayani said auditors had pointed out some cases of missing transformers and other electrical items.

“The alleged thefts etc took place before I joined as member, I do not know the exact volume of the thefts but let me be clear, I will check all the records and if FIRs are not registered we will get them registered to reach the culprits involved,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2017