The Sindh cabinet has directed a full-scale audit and investigation into the Rs. 28 billion World Bank-financed Sindh Solar Energy Project (SSEP), following reports of major financial and operational irregularities. It also ordered that companies found responsible be blacklisted.
Under the initiative, the provincial government aimed to supply 250,000 households with a solar panel, battery, DC fan, three LED lights, and a mobile charging setup, each kit estimated at around Rs. 55,000. However, despite signing a contract with a foreign firm at $151 per unit, import records showed the products were valued at less than $50.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, while chairing Monday’s cabinet meeting, instructed officials to take recovery measures and hold both contractors and government personnel accountable.
A briefing to the cabinet revealed that although most of the allocated budget has been spent, the project has fallen short of core development targets, including solar parks, rooftop installations, and distribution of solar home systems.
Officials reported improper contract changes, payments released for incomplete work, and key import discrepancies, including fake documentation submitted by the primary contractor. The situation has allegedly caused substantial financial losses.
The cabinet was additionally told that various NGOs were appointed for distribution tasks without open bidding, and a large amount of money was used on equipment lacking proper documentation.
The chief minister reiterated that financial discipline must be enforced and ordered immediate action to safeguard public resources.
