A case involving another of the international engineering companies accused of bribery in acquisition of contracts in the construction of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP), Impregilo, is to be heard in the High Court on November 14.

Spokesperson for the prosecution, Mr. Hjalmar Woker, said the case had been adjourned last year to accord the crown a chance to make last preparations, as well as to subpoena witnesses.

Impregilo is accused of bribing former Chief Executive of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), Mr. Masupha Sole, with monies amounting to M7,586,424, from 1986 to 1988.

A representative of Impregilo, Mr. Jurgen Faith is out on a bail of M2, 000, after appearing in the Maseru Magistrate’s Court towards the end of last year.

Former Chief Executive Sole was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment three years ago, after he was found guilty of receiving bribery monies from some companies engaged by the water scheme.

Four companies have to date been fined millions of Maluti by the High Court, after being found them guilty of bribing Sole. The companies are Lahmeyer, Acres International, Spie Bagtinolles, and Du plooy.

28 October 2005