STAFF WRITER
Energy and Power Development Minister, Fortune Chasi , has directed the ZESA Holding board of directors to immediately institute thorough investigation into various corruption allegations leveled against executive chairman Sydney Gata.
It is alleged that Gata may have allocated for his personal use five vehicles, scuttled the disciplinary hearing involving a top executive Norah Tsomondo and was also instrumental in a transaction involving Tuli and a Trust whose registration and ownership is unknown to the ministry.
Chasi also want to know more about the four consultants for whom Cabinet authority was sought to travel to South Africa for a study tour at Eskom. He said the board should establish whether the four are on ZESA payroll and, if not, the basis upon which they were engaged.
It is also alleged that Gata may have not declared the lawsuit between him and ZESA Holdings.
Chasi said the ministry was not “aware of of any such declaration”.
Last week, Business Times reported that the ZESA board was divided on the matter.
Chasi has given the board a five day ultimatum to deal with the allegations of corruption against Gata.
“You are directed as the board to immediately institute investigations in the allegations against Gata and take necessary steps of all the relevant laws,”Chasi said.
He added: “The allegations are a serious nature which do not only put ZESA Holdings in bad light but the entire government and the Ministry in particular.
“You are therefore instructed to give this matter all the urgency it deserves to ensure that it is resolved withing the shortest time possible to allow the board to concentrate on its mandate. I expect feedback of the board’s initial action within five days of this correspondence and every similar period thereafter.”
