ISLAMABAD: An investigation has been launched by FIA Anti-Corruption Circle after revelations that residential societies were provided illegal bulk connections with connivance of unscrupulous Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) officials.
According to the inquiry, three explosions took place in Saima Arabian Villas, located in Gadap Town, due to non-implementation of SOPs in gas fittings, which also killed two women. SSGC is not receiving any revenue from illegal connections and Saima Arabian Villas owes millions to the gas company.
In a complaint lodged on the Prime Minister’s Portal, Sui Southern Gas gave a report to OGRA Chairman that the connections have been disconnected for the time being.
According to documents, FIA Anti-Corruption Circle Karachi has started an inquiry against SSGC and has summoned the record from the gas company on the procedure for providing gas connection to World Group Companies, the parent company of Saima Arabian Villas. In the complaints lodged on the Prime Minister’s portal, Chairman OGRA had also sought reply from the SSGC.
According to the complaints, SSGC officials in collusion with the owners of Saima Arabian Villas, had provided them a bulk connection and a meter was also installed for the entire society.
The owners used this bulk meter to install residential meters extracted from Sui Southern Gas Company for all the residents of the societies. They also received Rs. 5,000 per residential meter which amounts to around Rs30-40 million from the residents.
The SSGC officials were paid Rs. 500,000 for the bulk connections and the illegal meters were offered to residents who were charged Rs800-5000. However, no monthly payment is made to SSGC due to which Saima Arabian Villas has defaulted of more than Rs. 20 million since 2018.
According to the documents, OGRA chairman denied issuing the connections to Saima Arabian Villas. When OGRA chairman sought a reply, the SSGC replied that all illegal connections have been disconnected and a billing system has been set up at the housing society.
Saima Arabian Villas in-charge Shah Raza was approached in this regard. He said he would answer any queries only after talking to his owners. When World Group owner Munir Trunkwala was contacted, he introduced himself as Imran, and said he was in a hospital in London and cannot comment at the moment. His response will be provided when received.
