Fatshimetrie closely followed the progress of the trial concerning the alleged embezzlement of funds allocated to the construction of drilling stations, which was held this Monday, November 18 before the Court of Cassation sitting in criminal matters. The case involves François Rubota, former Minister of State for Rural Development, and Mike Kasenga, an economic operator currently detained in Makala Central Prison.
During the investigation, Mike Kasenga highlighted the progress of the work on the ground, stating that under the leadership of François Rubota, 70 drilling stations had already been delivered. Since Kasenga’s arrest, 56 new stations have been completed, bringing the total to 126, awaiting receipt by the new minister, Muhindo Nzangi.
The economic operator also mentioned that 60 other stations are currently being finalized. Once completed, this will allow his company to reach the number planned for the first year of the contract, which is nearly 200 stations. Despite the accusations of embezzlement, Kasenga stressed that his contract with the Congolese state had never been terminated, and that they continued to work on new projects.
The stakes of this case are considerable, with astronomical sums at stake and major implications for the development of drinking water infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Transparency in the management of public funds and the fight against corruption are crucial elements to ensure sustainable and equitable development for all citizens.
Fatshimetrie will continue to follow this case closely and will keep its readers informed of future developments during the next hearing scheduled for Monday, November 25, 2024. It is essential that justice is rendered impartially and that the truth concerning the use of public funds is established to ensure the accountability of the actors involved.