Energy Minister in US$30M bamboozle

The Minister of Energy and Power, Prof. Ogunlade Davidson (in photo), is reportedly in hot water with officials of National Procurement Office (NPPA) owing to US$30 million contracts awarded D&F Associate.

Investigations say D&F won two separate contracts in the Ministry of Energy and Power to supply lights in Lungi and Kono respectively.

The D&F, according to agreement, is to supply 6 mega watts generator to enable the supply of light in Lungi.

It is discovered also that the same company was awarded another contract (which never gone through tender) for the supply of electricity in Kono town.

The Lungi contract is said to worth US$10 million and Kono US$20 million.

All two contracts, it is understood, were imposingly and singularly awarded to D&F by the Minister.

Facts gathered indicate that the contracting firm lacks the capacity and competence to provide light to the Lungi community.

That it is up until now unable to do ‘soil test’ as called for in the contract agreement.

The contract, as disclosed, was unconditionally awarded to D&F on an alleged secret understanding between the Minister and the contractor.

It must be noted that Lungi dissimilar to other places in Sierra Leone, have to provide 24 hours light for heads of states witnessing this country’s 50^th anniversary celebrations.

It is hoped also that President Koroma’s unreserved passion for a nationwide supply of light is seemingly declining owing to underperforming conducts of the Energy and Power Minister Prof. Ogunlade Davidson.

It has reached desks of Sierra Express Media that officials of National Procurement Office (NPPA) recently sent a letter to the Minister of Energy and Power, notifying him of a pending investigation in relation to the Lungi and Kono light contracts.

It is also disclosed that Minister Ogunlade singularly conducted and awarded all two contracts to D&F Associate.

Even though NPPA’s commencement of investigation on the manner of contracts awarded D&F Associate is pending, it has reached this press that officials of the Anti Corruption intend to step up criminal investigation on alleged corruption overindulgences of the Minister of Energy and Power.

Shades of opinions demand full explanation from the Minister of Energy in relation to the US$30 million contracts singularly bestowed a company apparently labeled as incompetent and ineffectual in the performance of public works.

It was all baffling that the Minister, at a press conference held at the Ministry of Energy and Power, admitted receiving a letter from NPPA, but dodged answering to allegation that he has had secret dealings with D&F Associate.

Read full details next edition.

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