ACC probes NRFA director

ACC probes NRFA director
By Mwila Chansa and Noel Sichalwe
Tuesday April 29, 2008 [04:00]

THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is investigating National Road Fund Agency (NRFA) director Raphael Mabenga for allegedly making a double payment of US $1 million to China Henan. ACC acting public relations manager Chiko Halwiindi yesterday confirmed that they have instituted investigations against Mabenga.

"I wish to confirm that the commission has instituted investigations into the matter. So far valuables have been obtained and being analysed," Halwiindi said. "However, we cannot give further details on the matter as the investigations are going on. You will be advised on the outcome in due course."

According to the letter of complaint by an anonymous concerned citizen addressed to President Levy Mwanawasa on May 6, 2008, Mabenga in 2006 is alleged to have deliberately made a double payment with the understanding that the company could gain interest on the amount and refund NRFA later.

However, NRFA questioned the payment and that Mabenga then e-mailed China Henan to refund the money after it had accrued substantial interest in the bank.

It is further alleged that Mabenga was paid money from the interest earned by China Henan.

It is also alleged that in 2006, Mabenga had travelled to New Zealand for official business where he met a man named Alan Kinard and upon his return, awarded a tender to Kinard to conduct a Road User Charges Study worth US $46,000 without tender authority. Afterwards Kinard was paid US $46,000 and Mabenga was paid about US $8,000.

It is further alleged that Mabenga in 2007, unilaterally and without tender authority renewed a contract for the insurance of NRFA assets to a named insurance company without tender authority.

Later NRFA paid about K302 million on December 5, 2007 on cheque number 549 and Mabenga was in turn allegedly paid K10 million by the insurance representative who handled the transaction.

"Sir, we know that the limit for a chief executive officer in a government agency to give a contract is only K50 million. Mr Mabenga has overlooked this in order to make money for himself," the letter of complaint stated.

According to the complaint, Mabenga was required under the law to consult and seek the approval of the Zambia National Tender Board or the tender committee prior to signing any contract valued at over K50 million.

It was observed that Mabenga's action eroded the much needed transparency and accountability in the public procurement system.