THIS is with reference to the article ‘Whither OPP’ (March 25). Contrary to the mention of the “sacked 36 employees, many trained by its founder”, 27 were not even employees of the Orangi Pilot Project (OPP). That leaves nine who resigned over as many years. Besides, no byelaws have been violated as the yearly registration of the OPP is up to date.

The write-up has also mentioned that “charges of corruption, misappropriation of funds and violations of its bylaws have been levelled against its current management”. OPP finances are publicly available for all to see. No renewal of registration takes place without the submission of financial audits. OPP registration has been renewed this year, and the process entails a public notice in newspapers. This was done and no objections were received within the legally stipulated period. Besides, all quarterly reports are available on request, both online and in hard copy; the latest being for the last quarter of 2021.

As for the interactions with universities, it was as intact as it has ever been till before the pandemic, and the OPP continues to train students from all universities in Pakistan. After the pandemic hiatus, a batch of 30 students is to start a three-day training session later this month.

Also, the OPP’s connection with the government remains strong as it is carrying out sanitation programmes in Islamabad, Shahpur Chakar, Sinjhoro and Daudkhel. Several other requests from the government are pending. And, finally, the OPP has successfully pursued Perween Rahman’s murder case for nine years.

Aquila Ismail
Chairperson, OPP
Karachi

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2022