The cost of the third phase of Dhaka WASA’s Saidabad Water Treatment Plant project has allegedly increased abnormally, rising from Tk4,597 crore at the time of approval to Tk16,014 crore after its second revision.

The project was initially approved at a cost of Tk4,597 crore. Its cost rose to Tk7,518 crore in the first revision before soaring to Tk16,014 crore in the second revision.

This means the project cost has increased by around Tk11,417 crore from the original estimate. The sharp increase came even though physical progress on the project was less than 10 per cent at the time.

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain was serving as adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives when the project cost was increased substantially. Allegations have emerged that the project cost was inflated through unethical benefits during his tenure.

The issue may also come under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), according to sources.

The sharp increase in the Saidabad project’s cost has come under further scrutiny when compared with the similar Gandharbpur Water Treatment Plant project. The Gandharbpur project, estimated to cost around Tk10,974 crore, has a higher water treatment capacity than the Saidabad project. It also includes a longer pipeline network.

However, the allegations have not yet been proven. An investigation is expected to determine whether there were any irregularities, corruption or abuse of power in the process of revising the project cost.

The Anti-Corruption Commission has already begun investigating various allegations of corruption, irregularities and abuse of power against Asif Mahmud.

As part of the investigation, the abnormal increase in the cost of the WASA Saidabad Water Treatment Plant project may also come under scrutiny, sources said.

An ACC official involved in the inquiry said, “The ACC has received various allegations of corruption, irregularities and abuse of power against former interim government adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain.”

“The commission has decided to investigate the allegations. A team has already been formed to conduct the inquiry. Further legal action will be taken after the allegations are verified,” the official added.

Source : Kalbela