ACC hands oil storage findings to PG
The ACC yesterday says it believes there is a strong case for criminal investigation in how the cost of the storage facility increased sixfold from just under N$1 billion to over N$6 billion.
OGONE TLHAGE
WINDHOEK
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has completed its probe into alleged corrupt activities regarding a strategic fuel storage facility at Walvis Bay, and has handed its findings to the prosecutor-general, its director general Paulus Noa said.
The fuel storage facility had drawn criticism over the escalation in cost related to its construction from N$920 million initially budgeted to a final cost of N$6.5 billion.
Sources close to the investigation told Namibian Sun that government was not happy with the fact that no one was held accountable for suspected dodgy dealings in the project, in which individuals are suspected of having unduly pocketed millions of dollars.
“We investigated the matter and you’ll be shocked at how money was stolen in this deal,” a senior ACC official told Namibian Sun.
Former finance permanent secretary Ericah Shafudah received a final written warning for negligence from secretary to cabinet George Simataa in 2017 but rejected the warning, saying she was not granted a chance to be heard as is procedure under the country’s laws.
Similarly, National Planning Commission (NPC) permanent secretary Leevi Hungamo was exonerated in the same matter and immediately resigned from government. Fingers were also pointed at chief legal advisor in the Attorney-General's Office, Chris Nghaamwa, at the time.
Apart from the alleged negligence by government officials at the time, the deal was also mired in allegations of corruption, which ACC has now confirmed.
Strong case
Yesterday, Noa said: “We have submitted the information to the Office of the Prosecutor-General [PG] not quite long ago. The PG needs time to read the document that reached her office and decide whether there is room for prosecution.
“We were looking at the criminal part of the investigation,” he added.
Noa said the ACC feels there is a strong case for prosecution.
“We believe the PG may decide to prosecute somebody but the final decision lies with that office,” he said.
PG Martha Imalwa yesterday said her office is studying the ACC submission but no decision has been taken yet.
The surge in costs of the project had led to questions being raised over the involvement of Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who was accused of using her office as finance minister at the time to advantage close associates who benefitted handsomely from the construction of the two facilities – a claim she has always rejected.
WINDHOEK
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has completed its probe into alleged corrupt activities regarding a strategic fuel storage facility at Walvis Bay, and has handed its findings to the prosecutor-general, its director general Paulus Noa said.
The fuel storage facility had drawn criticism over the escalation in cost related to its construction from N$920 million initially budgeted to a final cost of N$6.5 billion.
Sources close to the investigation told Namibian Sun that government was not happy with the fact that no one was held accountable for suspected dodgy dealings in the project, in which individuals are suspected of having unduly pocketed millions of dollars.
“We investigated the matter and you’ll be shocked at how money was stolen in this deal,” a senior ACC official told Namibian Sun.
Former finance permanent secretary Ericah Shafudah received a final written warning for negligence from secretary to cabinet George Simataa in 2017 but rejected the warning, saying she was not granted a chance to be heard as is procedure under the country’s laws.
Similarly, National Planning Commission (NPC) permanent secretary Leevi Hungamo was exonerated in the same matter and immediately resigned from government. Fingers were also pointed at chief legal advisor in the Attorney-General's Office, Chris Nghaamwa, at the time.
Apart from the alleged negligence by government officials at the time, the deal was also mired in allegations of corruption, which ACC has now confirmed.
Strong case
Yesterday, Noa said: “We have submitted the information to the Office of the Prosecutor-General [PG] not quite long ago. The PG needs time to read the document that reached her office and decide whether there is room for prosecution.
“We were looking at the criminal part of the investigation,” he added.
Noa said the ACC feels there is a strong case for prosecution.
“We believe the PG may decide to prosecute somebody but the final decision lies with that office,” he said.
PG Martha Imalwa yesterday said her office is studying the ACC submission but no decision has been taken yet.
The surge in costs of the project had led to questions being raised over the involvement of Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, who was accused of using her office as finance minister at the time to advantage close associates who benefitted handsomely from the construction of the two facilities – a claim she has always rejected.
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