TIMERGARA, April 18: Differences have developed between two groups of government contractors over alleged irregularities in awarding tenders of development schemes of the works and services department of Lower Dir district.

The group led by Haji Shahwali Khan and Haji Mohammad Ayub alleged at a press conference here on Saturday that some contractors with the connivance of the works and services department officials had committed irregularities in the opening of tenders of development schemes.

They claimed that all contractors of the district had decided to boycott the tenders floated by the W&S department, but some contractors violated the decision and submitted bids for tenders on April 6, 8 and 10, alleging that the process was not transparent.

They also alleged that the officials concerned have violated rules and regulations and awarded the tenders to the contractors of their choice. They demanded that the tenders should be cancelled and re-opened in the presence of district government representatives, otherwise they would launch a movement against the irregularities.

In a separate press conference, members of the other group led by Mohammad Riaz said that the rival group was pressing for the cancellation of the tenders as they had failed to get the contracts. He said that the tenders had been awarded to the highest bidders in a transparent manner.