20000205

Govt urged to take notice of low grade pipes used by gas cos

RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Pakistan Steel Line Pipe Industry Association has demanded of the government to take notice of the substandard supply of steel line pipes to various gas companies by some 'irresponsible' manufacturers.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Mian Sharafat Ali, Chairman, Pakistan Steel Line Pipe Industry Association, alleged that two steel line pipe companies, which were not the member of the said association, with the connivance of some corrupt officials of gas companies were providing substandard pipes, which may result in blasts.

He was of the view that there should be a specific prequalificaion criteria for the acceptance of the tenders for the supply of pipes to various gas companies. He said that there was an urgent need to stop corrupt officials for ill-doings.

He said that gas companies have started giving business to those line pipe companies, which have no courage to sell their products in commercial market. He warned that the use of substandard pipes in various projects of gas companies will result in accidents, causing severe human and financial loss.

He demanded of the government to constitute a high-level inquiry commission to probe the irregularities in this regard. He also demanded of the government to arrange an inspection of the pipes present in the stores of gas companies by an independent agency.

He said that Pakistan Steel Line Pipe Industry Association will fully co-operate with the government and will also provide necessary documents and proofs in this regard.

Brig Muhammad Ajmal Khan (Retd) (Secretary of the Association) and its other members, including Zaka Ullah Khan and Muhammad Usman were also present on this occasion.