Opposition suspects corruption

The government has reportedly bought an asphalt plant via the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication (OWT &C). The opposition, however, pointed out that the €2.8 million price tag is raising suspicions. MP Mahinder Jogi (VHP) asked the government if the plant was bought because it belonged to somebody who is a member of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and “who probably also works at the Office of the President.”

MP Jogi wants to know why the government bought the asphalt plant because the government is already doing business with Dalian and other contractors. The matter was presented in parliament by MP Asiskumar Gajadien (VHP). MP Gajadien claimed that the government paid way too much for the asphalt plant. “The government paid €2 million more than its actual worth.” He and Jogi demanded an explanation from the government. “We know who it belongs to. We keep saying that there is no money but we know where the money is going”, said MP Gajadien who added that there are other strange things happening at the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication. He claimed that certain entrepreneurs get free fuel and that the ministry buys secondhand trucks from specific people. “That is where the taxpayers’ money is going. A pack of thieves is busy with the state funds there.”

MP Rachied Doekhie (NDP) and MP Amzad Abdoel defended the actions of the government. MP Doekhie reminded the VHP faction of the many wrongs that took place during the Venetiaan administration such as the disappearance of 400 tons of rice, the appropriation of government cars and the double salaries. “The people who are supposed to keep their mouths shut are the ones talking about the asphalt plant. One thing is certain and that is that the asphalt plant was bought for the State.” MP Abdoel, chairman of the parliamentary committee on OWT&C, made it clear that the government needed an asphalt plant.