No Fraud In Valley Dams Project, Says Former PS

By Hillary Kiirya THE former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture yesterday told court that Afro Building and Electrical Contractors did not defraud the ministry of sh944m in the valley dam saga. Mr. Opika Opoka was being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Mr. Abdu Katuntu. The contractors are accused of defrauding the ministry of sh944,085,805m. The trial is before the Buganda Road Court chief magistrate , Catherine Bamugemereire. Opika said there was no fraud because the World Bank and Government agents, who included the project manager, Dr. Buza, the Director of Animal Recovery, Dr. Brian Bamusonyige and the ministry's financial controller, Ignatius Obire were fully satisfied with the dams. State Attorney Vincent Wagona said the contracting firm pretended they they would construct six dams at a cost of over sh944m. The dams were to be constructed in Rwamuranda, Kyera, Kenua and Ishangira in Mbarara, Kigaaga in Ntungamo and Migyera in Luweero. Ends