By Watchdog reporter
Whereas Civil Division court dismissed the application for an interim order in the Kampala Magezi vs UNRA matter that sought to stop UNRA’s dealings with various companies implicated in the COSASE report, another court has ordered suspension of any dealings by Uganda National Roads Authority, Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets with three Chinese construction companies for three months pending the conclusion of investigations in a fraud case.
The companies in question are; Zhongmei Engineering Group Ltd, Zhongmei Engineering Construction Company Ltd and Zhongmei Engineering Group (UG) Ltd.
“Whereas an application has been made to this court by No. 23808 D/ WABWEYO the investigating officer in the matter, IT’S HEREBY ORDERED THAT;” the order by the Mengo Chief Magistrate Court reads in part.
“Uganda National Roads Authority and Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority SUSPEND/STOP any further dealings or transactions with Zhongmei Engineering Group Ltd, Zhongmei Engineering Construction Company Ltd and Zhongmei Engineering Group(UG) Ltd for a period of three months from now to enable conclusion of police investigations vide CID Head Quarters GEF 1216/2016,” order further read.
This is the second time court is issuing such orders against dealings with the Chinese company but UNRA insists the ruling should be appealed.
UNRA contracted the Chinese company to upgrade the Rukungiri Kihihi/Ishansha Kanungu road at a tune of
Shs220billion.
Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited allegedly beat nine other road contractors in an open bidding process although the office of the Auditor General had cautioned UNRA against working with the company since it is one of the companies Parliament has blacklisted.
UNRA media manager Allan Ssempebwa however says this was procurement matter, and therefore not for discussion in the media until the contract is awarded.
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