PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Department has cancelled a street lights project tender in Peshawar following an inquiry committee’s report proving significant irregularities.
The inquiry, initiated by the Local Government Department, found that the procurement process violated several Notice Inviting Tender (NIT) conditions.
According to officials, 31 bidders were originally disqualified based on NIT standards. However, the investigation revealed that the non-litigation certificate submitted by the successful firm was invalid, leading to the firm’s disqualification and the subsequent cancellation of the entire tender process.
In response to these findings, the Procurement Committee has recommended a formal reprimand against its members involved in the process.
Authorities have now recommended the re-tendering of the project with strict instructions to ensure the implementation of all procurement rules.
Local Government Minister Meena Khan Afridi, commenting on the completion of the inquiry, reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to a transparent and merit-based procurement system. “A complaint can’t come and not be redressed,” Afridi stated, further stating that corruption-free and recommendation-free governance will be ensured at every level.
The Minister further remarked that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa operates as a democratic state where public funds will be protected. He concluded by appealing to the general public to immediately report any lack of transparency they encounter in government projects.
