Contractors seek probe into corruption in uplift works

MARDAN: Office-bearers of the Contractors Association have called on the government to increase the schedule rate, abolish the e-bidding system, ensure fair distribution of development funds, and form a high-level commission to investigate large-scale corruption and commissions in construction works.

During a news conference at the Mardan Press Club, District President of the Contractors Association Akbar Ali Kashmiri, General Secretary Abdul Haq, Vice- President Fahr-e-Alam, Sahar Sadique, and other office-bearers criticised Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur for failing to address bribe demands from officials.

They claimed that bribes are rampant and that contracts are being awarded to favourites, with the provincial government, bureaucracy, and finance department openly demanding bribes from contractors.

The officials alleged that no work gets done without paying 10 to 15% in bribes, forcing contractors to abandon projects due to departmental handouts, bribes, and the non-availability of funds.