TANK: Allegations of corruption and irregularities have surfaced in a solar lights project in Tank, where lights were installed on market walls instead of proper poles, raising concerns about effectiveness, quality, and public safety.
Local representatives say the installed solar lights are substandard and stop working within days, leaving markets poorly lit after sunset. The issue has drawn attention amid frequent power outages and rising concerns about theft in commercial areas.
Naveed Burki, vice chairman of the All Councilors’ Alliance, told reporters that installing solar lights without poles was misleading and ineffective. He said lights mounted only a few feet above walls fail to adequately illuminate streets and marketplaces.
Burki warned that under current conditions, markets remain dark after sunset, creating security risks. He added that with load-shedding continuing, theft of electrical components has increased, and poorly installed solar lights could also become easy targets.
He said identifying defective materials and substandard execution in development projects is a responsibility of elected representatives and relevant oversight bodies.
Burki called on the Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Division and other senior officials to investigate the alleged irregularities in the solar lights contract and to take legal action against those found responsible.
