ACB launches Probe into Late Hon. Orton Chirwa Mausoleum Saga

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) is investigating the awarding of a contract to build a mausoleum worth K1.4 billion for the late Orton Chirwa.

The government has however since withdrawn the contract.

Executive Director for the Centre for Social Accountability, Willy Kambwandira, told the press on Friday that the whole procurement process on the construction of the mausoleum by the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets (PPDA), raises suspicions of corruption and fraud adding the amount is too much and unrealistic.

“We continue asking Malawians to be vigilant, and fierce to safeguard their taxes. More importantly, the ACB should investigate how the contract was awarded and establish how the Ministry of Tourism arrived at this figure,” said Kambwandira.

He added that the country’s priorities are skewed as the amount requested is enough to construct some schools and health facilities which the country is in dire need of. Kambwandira suspects that there was some connivance between government officials to defraud the nation.

By the time of publication, ACB spokesperson, Egritta Ndala, had not responded to an inquiry on whether investigations have commenced.

The government through the Ministry of Tourism had awarded a contract worth K1.4 billion to construct a mausoleum for Orton Chirwa an independent freedom fighter. However, the decision was reversed after a public outcry.