The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Wednesday arrested Ministry of Transport and Public Works chief procurement officer Michael Mbewe for allegedly publishing a notification of intention to award a contract before approval from Government Contracts Unit (GCU).

In a statement signed by ACB  principal public relations officer Egrita Ndala, the bureau said the arrest followed a complaint  lodged in September 2021 alleging that the process failure to declare Portuguese multi-disciplinary conglomerate Mota-Engil as a successful bidder was questionable as a ‘No Objection’ was issued without the knowledge of Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA).

Signed the document: Ndala

Reads the statement in part: “On 19th April 2023, the ACB arrested Michael Mbewe. He is reasonably suspected to have committed the offence of misuse of public office contrary to Section 25B (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act and neglect of official duty contrary to Section 121 of the Penal Code.

“He will be taken to court after the bureau has recorded a caution statement from him.”

Mbewe was granted bail on Wednesday.

In 2020, President Lazarus Chakwera and his Mozambican counterpart Felipe Nyusi agreed to revive the railway line between the two countries which is Malawi’s shortest route to the port of Beira.

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2021 to have the project completed by March 2022.

While Mozambique has almost completed its stretch from Mutarara to Marka, Malawi is far from completing its 72-kilometre stretch from Marka to Bangula a year after the set deadline expired due to procurement wrangles.

At first Mota-Engil emerged as the successful bidder, but in 2021 the ACB nullified the award of the contract after receiving a complaint that the procurement had irregularities.

The tender was re-advertised and China Railway was awarded the contract last year.

On progress of the project, Minister of Transport and Public Works Jacob Hara yesterday said a one-kilometre trial section has been completed.

“But major earthworks will start immediately after the rain season,” he said.

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