A special audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has uncovered procurement irregularities worth Tk294 crore in the Green City housing project under the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, including the purchase of electrical equipment at nearly eight times the justified price.
According to the audit report, the government suffered a loss of around Tk186.88 crore due to the procurement of electrical equipment for substations, generators, lifts, air coolers, solar panels, CCTV cameras, fire hydrants, internet facilities and pumps. The report alleged that three contractors received Tk213.88 crore for equipment that should have cost around Tk27 crore, bypassing the Public Works Department (PWD) Schedule of Rates-2018.
The CAG said inflated estimates were prepared without forming an estimate committee, providing undue financial benefits to the contractors. It recommended administrative action against members of the tender evaluation committee and officials responsible for approving and releasing payments, along with recovery of the misused funds.
The audit also identified several other procurement irregularities, including the purchase of 4,702 pillows at highly inflated prices, causing a loss of Tk3.92 crore, and the procurement of 1,342 dressing tables at prices significantly above market rates.
Overall, the CAG raised audit objections totaling Tk294 crore under 10 categories, describing the amount as losses to the government. The irregularities were identified during a compliance audit of the Green City housing project covering FY2016-17 to FY2020-21.
The audit report has been submitted to the President for further action.
