Foundation for Irrigation and Sustainable Development (FISD) Limited has been added on the accused list in a fraud case the company’s four Directors are answering.
The four FISD Directors namely; Moses Chirambo, Frank Mwenechanya, Kondwani Nanchukwa and Arthur Mpama are facing charges of money laundering, conspiracy to commit a felony and fraud.
It is alleged that the four directors received a double payment from the African Development Bank, government’s partner in the project they were contracted to undertake.
The ministry had awarded the company a K2.4 billion contract to construct, rehabilitate and expand gravity-fed water supply systems in Ntcheu District.
And on Tuesday, Senior Resident Magistrate Florence Msekandiana allowed that FISD company be added on the accused’s list following the State’s Application on the same.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Pirirani Masanjala Senior State Advocate said it is imperative that FISD company be added on the accused list since the processes were being done under FISD company.
But Burton Phiri Defense lawyer has told MIJ Online that currently they do not have any instructions from FISD company to represent it in court.
“FISD company has got a right to fair trial and that includes court representation. This case has already started, first witness has already testified, the second witness is about to close his testimony and these are very central and crucial witnesses to this case. We don’t know who will represent FISD and we dont know the position they are going to take” said Phiri.
Phiri further said, adding FISD company in the case may have some implications such as delaying the case, if the company decides to be represented from the start which would mean recalling the witnesses.
