ZPC finance director exonerates Chivayo

The case involving flamboyant businessman Wicknell Chivayo and the controversial multi-million dollar Gwanda solar project can easily pass off for a script taken off a Hollywood movie as it keeps on making twist and turns.

It seems Chivayo always has the last laugh!

In his latest court appearance on Friday, Zimbabwe Power Company (ZPC) finance director Hubert Chiwara confirmed that contrary to speculative reports ,Chivayo indeed carried work at Gwanda solar project site but missing were certificates to clear him.

Chiwara was giving his testimony before Harare Magistrate Lazini  Ncube when  Chivayo’s trial continued.

During cross examination with Chivayo’s lawyer, revered Advocate Lewis Uriri, Chiwara was asked if work was carried out and responded in the positive.

“Yes the site was cleared. An ablution facility was built but not yet complete,” he said.

Chiwara also told court that a power line and fence was erected on the site.

“But there was no certificate of completion  given to us as Finance and the first accused  As finance we take it that no work has been done  as long as there is no certificate confirming the developments,”he said.

Earlier, the witness cleared Chivayo of any wrongdoing, saying the tender issued to Intratek was above board.

Chiwara testified that Chivayo’s Intratek began work on the project site but failed to complete the assignment on time.

He further told the court that the tender to Intratrek was issued above board.

Chivayo is facing fraud charges, contravening sections of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act and the Exchange Control Act.

It is the State’s case that Chivayo’s company, Intratek Zimbabwe, was fraudulently awarded the Gwanda solar power plant tender worth $5 607 814,24 by the ZPC following a directive from former Energy and Power Development Minister Samuel Undenge.