Fatshimetrie opens investigation into allegations of embezzlement of public funds in the Democratic Republic of Congo, involving high-ranking figures. The Court of Cassation began a trial on Monday concerning alleged embezzlement of funds intended for the construction of boreholes and the installation of street lights in the country. Two major defendants are named in this case: the former Minister of Rural Development, François Rubota, and Mike Kasenga, head of the Stever Construct Cameroun SARL and Sotrad Water consortium.
Fatshimetrie’s investigation reveals suspicions of overbilling by the Stever Construct Cameroun SARL and Sotrad Water consortium in the context of a contract for the installation of water treatment plants across the DRC. Initially planned to cover 1,000 localities, the contract amounted to nearly $400 million over five years. However, allegations of overbilling led to a payment of $71 million for only 241 water stations, far exceeding the expected costs and thus attracting the interest of the courts.
A report by the Observatory of Public Expenditure and the Congolese League Against Corruption played a key role in exposing these dubious practices. In response to these accusations, the consortium denied any form of overbilling, ensuring that it respected the terms of the initial contract. For his part, the Minister of Finance at the time, Nicolas Kazadi, stressed that the payments made were based on arrangements made before he took office.
As part of this case, the Justice took up the case to clarify the details surrounding these boreholes and street lights, with the aim of determining the real cost of this infrastructure. This case highlights the challenges related to transparency in the management of public funds in the DRC, highlighting the importance of rigorous monitoring to ensure the appropriate use of financial resources for the benefit of the population.
Fatshimetrie will continue to closely monitor the development of this trial and its implications for governance and transparency in the country, highlighting the importance of accountability of those involved in the management of public funds.