Zambia Railways paid moe than K 216,000 for Clive Chirwa’s 90 day rental

FALLSWAY Apartments administrative manager, Suhail Vally yesterday narrated how Zambia Railways Limited (ZRL) paid more than K 216,000 as rentals bill for its former chief executive officer, Clive
Chirwa for a period of three months.
Mr Vally told principal magistrate, Obister Musukwa during continued trial yesterday that Chirwa stayed at the Apartment for 90 days and was paying K2,077 per night.
He said his company billed ZRL for the three months that Chirwa stayed at the facility and all the money was paid by ZRL on his behalf.
This is in a matter in which Chirwa is jointly charged with former ZRL Director of Finance, Regina Mwale for abuse of office.
One of the offences allege that Chirwa and Mwale between February 1 and March 2, 2013 in Kabwe abused the authority of their offices by authorising payment of K72,282.21 to Fallsway Apartments for Chirwa’s accommodation, an amount which was beyond Chirwa’s  entitlement.
Mr Vally told the court that he was requested by ZRL to provide accommodation for Chirwa at an amount of K72,282.21 per month.
Mr Vally produced three invoices to the court namely 001, 0021 and 0038 for Chirwa’s accommodation and each was billed for 30 days.
He said his company later received payments for all the three invoices from ZRL.
Earlier, former ZRL board chairperson, Mark Chona said the normal procedure as stipulated under the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) of procuring for training services was not followed when Clavel International was engaged.
Mr Chona said there was no request made by ZRL for the training of its staff and the method used to pick on Clavel International suggested single sourcing.
Chirwa is charged in the first count with failure to disclose interest contrary to section 28 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Act number 3 of 2012.
It is alleged that Chirwa between November 1 and December 31, 2012 in Lusaka did recommend at the Zambia Railways board meeting that Clavel Incorporation Limited be given a contract to train employees of the railway company without disclosing his interest.
Chirwa is an officer and shareholder of Clavel International.
In count two, Chirwa and Mwale are charged with abuse of authority of office.
Trial continues on April 30, this year.