he installation of CCTV cameras at Islamabad`s public schools and colleges continues to face delays. Following the attack at the Army Public School Peshawar on December 16, Federal Directorate of Education (FDE) decided to enhance security at educational institutions by taking various measures including the installation of CCTV cameras.

Under the project worth Rs40 million, CCTV cameras were to be installed at 391 institutions. However, as controversy arose over reopening of sealed tenders, the project faced delays.

According to sources, on April 5, FDE ran advertisements in national dailies inviting registered firms to participate in the bidding for the installation of the cameras as 391 institutions. The advertisement specified that firms must complete the project by May 21, 2015.

According to the ad, the bids would be publically opened on April 20 and the firm offering the best rates would be awarded the contract. However, surprisingly the FDE did not open the tenders on the promised date. According to sources at the FDE, the ads had been published by former FDE Director General Aamir Ashraf Khawaja.

A few days later CADD on the directives of the Supreme Court, restored Shahnaz A Riaz as FDE DG.

Some FDE officials alleged that the incumbent DG suspected there were hidden deals involved in the handing over of the contract and now she is attempting to take the bidders into confidence before opening the sealed tenders.

`This is highly unfortunate, first the FDE seniors wasted months trying to figure out the procedure for the installation of the CCTV cameras and now officials are locking horns over the opening of tenders,` said an FDE official, requesting anonymity.

He claimed some elements are trying to earn kickbacks from the project. `I fear that the quality would be compromised now,` the official said.

The FDE DG, when contacted, said that on the day the tenders were scheduled to be opened, the concerned officials did not move the file. `The project was announced without specifications,` she quickly added.

The ad mentions that eligible bidders may obtain information from the office of Deputy Director Planning and Development Division. `A complete set of bidding documents with detailed specification and terms and conditions of a bid may be purchased by submitting an application with DD Planning and Development,` an official said.