ISLAMABAD: The Auditor General of Pakistan has observed that the World Bank-assisted ‘Sindh Water Sector Improvement Project’ aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation water distribution in area water boards of Ghotki, Nara and Left Bank, is at low performance that will ultimately affect the overall performance and achievement of the project.

Key findings of the audit report of the project for the financial year 2018-19, show non-production of record and vouchers, misstatement in use of vehicles, non-recovery of sales tax on services, unauthorised re-appropriation of funds, non-achievement of PC-1 targets, unauthorised regularisation of staff, non-submission of adjustment account, excess drawl of salaries over PC-1 provision, incurrence of expenditure on activities beyond the scope of the project, drawl of loan from AWB and non-transparent hiring of staff.

Pointing out the key issue for the future, the audit report says “the project is going to slow on its pace and has missed its target especially over the component “community development and capacity building” where the targets for the creation of desired number of farmer organisations and construction of dams is yet to achieve”.

The lapses on part of department indicate improper watch and absence of internal controls. The audit mainly recommends that causes of deviations from rules and procedures may be justified, recoveries as pointed out be made and the irregular expenditure may be regularised besides internal controls may also be strengthened to achieve the intended purposes.

The audit report pointed out that while reviewing the records of the project director of Sindh Water Sector Improvement Programme in Hyderabad for the year 2018-19, it was observed that an expenditure of Rs26.457 million was incurred for various purposes, however, relevant vouchers and payments details were not provided.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2020