PCB uncovers massive multi-million rupee scam in Lahore Gaddafi Stadium renovation
Karachi, Jan. 10 : Already suffering from severe a financial crunch, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now accused its former Chief Operating Officer (COO) Shafqat Naghmi, of causing hefty financial losses to the board.
The PCB said that the project initially supposed to cost Rs. 142 million, was now expected to cross Rs. 471 million.
"Massive irregularities have been discovered in the construction of the far end pavilion at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore," a press release by the PCB stated.
The press release accused Naghmi of using his powers to award the project of the construction work to a close friend.
"The project which was supposed to be completed at a cost of Rs 142 million remains unfinished and needs Rs 471 million for completion," it added.
The release blasted the previous PCB management of sheer negligence and incompetence.
"The whole project is a monumental disaster, utter wastage of PCB funds and is a tribute to the management ego and vision of grandeur. The project was to be completed by 31st August 2008. It was sheer negligence and incompetence of the previous management that the project has not been completed in time and there has been a colossal cost increase. The amazing aspect of the whole fraudulent tender is that a hefty advance has already been paid to the contractor," the News quoted the press release, as saying.
Describing the faulty construction method used in the stadiums renovation, the release added: "Huge columns have been constructed which have blocked spectators' view. Hospitality boxes have been ill-conceived and huge dinning room areas have been left at the back of the boxes which have very little utility. There has been a huge cost overrun."
According to the media release, the PCB chairman Ijaz Butt has taken serious note of the cost overrun of the project and has decided to suspend the project.
"Butt has sought the services of an independent team of professionals to ascertain the original cost of the whole project which is now Rs 471 million," the press release said. (ANI)
