MARDAN: A report has exposed serious financial irregularities in Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) Mardan.
As per the report, TMA Mardan awarded a contract for 631 street lights. However, only 170 lights were installed, and they were substandard.
The contract was worth Rs 50 million. Officials paid Rs 31 million in advance to an blue-eyed contractor, violating the contract terms. This caused a loss of Rs 19 million.
The report revealed that auditors were denied full access to investigate transformer repairs.
In the financial year 2021-22, officials purchased 171 water coolers but installed only 132. The contract, funded by the Asian Development Grant, was worth Rs 10 million. The contractor received Rs 7.77 million, causing a loss of Rs 3 million.
Experts say these irregularities show reckless spending of public funds. They urge strict legal action against those responsible to restore public trust.