DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Dec 9: A case of embezzlement in Public Engineering Department has come to light in which a works contractor and some department staffers are said to be involved.

A water supply scheme was completed in Union Council No 5 of the Dera city during 2001. Approximately Rs1.5 million was allocated for the scheme.

The project contractor completed the works within the specified period but none of the department officer bothered to see what had been laid for the supply of water.

The contractor, on his own, laid PVC pipes in the streets, and that too, without any excavation. Within a year, these pipes began leaking. Not only that they damaged the streets and houses but also became a source of polluted water supply.

It has emerged that, with the cooperation of the departmental staff, the contractor used the substandard PVC pipes which were not according to the specified thickness and therefore unable to bear the water pressure. Their joints leaked and burst as a result.

Despite the complaints submitted to District Nazim and the Chief of Public Health Engineering Department, all are keeping mum.