They say it all

Engineers of different government departments yesterday gave the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) a description of how anomalies take place at different public projects.

They blamed influential contractors, loopholes in project design, and land acquisition problems for the delay in project completion.

ACC invited 80 top engineers of different government departments in the views-exchange that took place at the commission's Segunbagicha headquarters.

“Professional contractor used to work in the construction sector in the past. But now it is seen that many contractors, who are influential and do not have any track record in the relevant sector, get work tender,” said Taher Hossain, superintendent engineer of the Department of Fisheries.

“Because of their inexperience, projects cannot be finished in time. On the other hand, actions cannot be taken against them as they are influential,” he said.

Kazi Golam Nasir, chief architect of the Department of Architecture at the housing and public works ministry, said many government departments start projects based on draft designs.

As a result, contractors face obstacles during the implementation stage, he said, adding, “This practice contributes to the delay in project implementation.”

Abul Kashem Bhuiyan, additional chief engineer of the Roads and Highways Department, said even after introducing electronic government procurement (e-GP) system, anomalies in tender process could not be stopped due to some loopholes in tender submission procedure.

Dipak Kanti Paul, managing director of BD Climate Change Trust, opined that experts should be included in the relevant projects.

Engr Mohammad Hossain, director general of Power Cell of Power Division, said they have made their service online which helps reduce corruption.

He, however, admitted that there are practices of corruption in power sector at the field levels.

ACC Chairman Iqbal Mahmood asked the engineers not to be afraid of influential quarters. “Don't be afraid of them [influential people]. Do your jobs according to the system,” he said.

“If any influential person makes any illegal demand, inform us,” he asked the engineers.

The ACC chairman pointed that importing cars for every project is a waste of public money. Therefore, he suggested buying cars locally manufactured by Progoti.

ACC Commissioner AFM Aminul Islam suggested that the top officials should visit project sites to inspect whether any corruption is taking place.