KPT fountain worth Rs320 million ‘stolen’
Only in Pakistan can such a fraud take place, authorities remain ignorant
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
By Hina Mahgul Rind
KARACHI: The installation of a controversial multi-million rupee fountain may have been bad but what is worse is that this installation, bought with public money, has now been stolen. The Karachi Port Trust, which financed the project, has finally accepted that the theft has taken place but is clueless about how to nab the thieves.
The 500-feet tall Port Water Jet Fountain, dubbed to be the highest in Asia, was installed at Oyster Rocks off Clifton by the Karachi Port Trust with taxpayers’ money. The original cost was Rs224 million but this later escalated to Rs320 million. Initially, when contacted the KPT claimed that the fountain was closed for repairs. This week the KPT finally admitted that the theft had taken place.
There are two theories behind the disinterest shown by the KPT for this multi-million rupee project. Informed quarters say that the KPT is trying to cover its negligence by trying to hush up the matter. Others insist, however, that the KPT does not want the fountain to resume operation owing to the high cost of running this white elephant.
The much publicised and criticised multi-million rupee project which took nine months to complete is one of a kind in the country. KPT supervised the project’s construction work while the water projection unit was manufactured by the M/s Invent Water Treatment Ltd (IWTL) UK, a company that specializes in such structures.
A KPT official privately told The News that some parts of the fountain have been stolen and the control system has been damaged which made the water jet non-functional. But this official also said that “it is not an easy task to go and steal parts of the fountain and it requires planning and cooperation with concerned officials.” It requires a boat to reach the island where the water jet is located and this means official connivance and cooperation.
The fountain itself had many problems. It costs approximately Rs130,000 to run daily which by Pakistani standards is a criminal waste. According to the laws of the KPT, such allocation of money for purposes other than running the port can be questioned. Officials also privately said that the employees deputed to run the fountain were not interested in its upkeep. Due to poor quality of supervision and maintenance, the height of the fountain which was claimed to be 500 feet was in fact barely higher than 100 feet.
When contacted, the KPT denied this and claimed that the height of the fountain was in fact 620 feet. The News has no means to verify either claim but eye witnesses said that only those passing through Mai Kolachi by-pass could see it.
As this was one of the “visionary” projects of former KPT chief, Vice Admiral Ahmad Hayat, who was given extension in service by General Musharraf despite his controversial tenure, the fountain was made to function regardless of cost.
Informed quarters say that the current administration is not interested in running the fountain because it’s a costly business to maintain the daily expenses of the fountain.
The fountain was supposed to start functioning from Sept 15, 2008 as its off season is over, which is from 15 May to 15 September, as in this period the fountain is not operated due to rough seas.
According to the KPT official an inquiry committee has been constituted. An FIR has also been lodged at the Docks Police Station which says that they are investigating the case independently.
The KPT official told The News that the operation and maintenance team of the Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) department is responsible for operation and maintenance of the port fountain. Security of equipment and site is the responsibility of the Commandant of the Port Security Force. The staffs of both departments are appearing before the enquiry committee, but so far no one has been suspended, let alone taken to task.
Regarding the non-operation of the fountain, the KPT told The News that the control system panel has been damaged by thieves in an attempt to steal it.
The KPT added that the rectification of defect is in hand with M/s Hydro Diesel Company of Holland and M/s MTU Germany.
Efforts are being made to make the fountain operational as soon as possible after rectification of faults. But no time frame was given as to when the fountain will be operational.
Ironically, The News has learnt that to visit and take photos of the fountain site is not allowed due to security reasons. This requires permission from Naval Intelligence, and marine patrolling is also done round the clock by the Pakistan Navy. The fact that despite this, thieves were able to take away such heavy equipment from the site causes many eyebrows to be raised.
It is important to mention that the water jet project was announced by the then Federal Minister Ports and Shipping. The then President of Pakistan, General Musharraf, first announced about the project in 2004 and said it would be inaugurated soon. The project was given top priority.
The then minister instructed KPT to ensure that the ‘Port Water Jet’ is constructed and inaugurated in the given time frame in vide letter No 5 (37)/04-p&s-1, Islamabad dated 1st February 2005. The KPT board which was reluctant initially to spend the Trust’s fund on such a project which would in no way benefit the port later approved the award for the contract on 16 February 2005. The project was inaugurated by President of Pakistan on January 15th 2006.
Equipment list which are stolen
Description Quantity
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Both Pump Engines Batteries 12V, 210AH 4
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Both Generator Batteries 12V, 155AH 2
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Welding Plant 440/220 VA/C/400AMP 1
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Raceprocating pump Motor double belt 220VAC, 1HP 1
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Bracket Fan 18”(Plastic Body) 220VA/C 2
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Ladder 20 M/S Material 1
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Self starter of MTU Engine with Cable 1
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Tool Boxes with complete tools 3
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MTU Engine Fuel Pump Used 2
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Turning Tool with Racehered Set 1
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Fire Extinguisher 1
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GO Phone CDMA with Charger 1
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Motorola VHF set with charger 1
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Hot Plate 220 V A/C 1500 Watts 1
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Multi Meter SANWA 1
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Emergency lights portable 2
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Emergency lights Batteries 2
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S/S Nut Bolts different sizes 400
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Fuel Filter Pump Engines & Generator 4
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AUX/Engine Air Filter 1
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Hand Grinder Heavy duty 220V A/C 1
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Pump Engine Coolant Pump Heater 220V A/C 1
Other miscellaneous things include plastic tapes, black paint, water cooler, split air conditioner remote.
Source - The News - Oct 28 2008
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What soul and what patriotic spirit dead or alive can even jokingly want to commit such a crime. The spirit or soul might be dead but certainly commited by ‘living & breathing’ person/s.
What they do afterwards ? go home to their families and then next day pack their lunch boxes for another ‘hard day’ at work?
Or perhaps Pakistan is heavely INFESTED within, with its enemy at the door.
What do you think Guppies ?
so only THESE parts are stolen?