Months after Hamid Baranger was dismissed from the management of the Safety Department of the National Iranian Drilling Company, the repercussions of his decisions and contracts during his management continue to burden this company; a situation that has led to the waste of resources and the ongoing extraction from public funds.
Baranger, who was dismissed due to the revelation of his son's presence in China and receiving a salary from the company at the same time, faced political lobbying to maintain his position while supervisory bodies intervened in this matter.
Violations and Controversial Contracts
The effects of the violations during Baranger's management persist. Contracts that were concluded during that period in collusion with some contractors have set the stage for continued cost burdens for the National Iranian Drilling Company. For example, the contract with Sushiant Gas Services for providing gas leak warning equipment and breathing capsules has faced poor quality equipment and numerous deductions, and due to the lack of a new tender, it has been extended for six months without formalities and at a new rate. This contract, which amounted to over 130 billion tomans last year, is directly related to the safety of operational personnel.
In another instance, the contract for supplying safety shoes has resulted in the accumulation of over eight thousand pairs of low-quality and unused shoes in storage, while operational personnel are facing severe shortages of equipment. The extent of violations and collusions during Baranger's management has been such that even after his dismissal, the effects continue.
Unanswered Questions About Corruption
Baranger's appointment as an advisor to the CEO and responsible for managing affairs in the areas of safety, environment, health, and crisis management also took place in 2022, and he has now been dismissed from this position due to confirmed violations. This issue once again highlights serious questions about the delay in taking decisive action against corrupt managers and the deterrent mechanisms within the National Iranian Drilling Company.