Former CWA Chief Prakash Maunthrooa in Hot Water Over ‘Missing’ Rs 700 Million!

Prakash Maunthrooa, the former General Manager of the Central Water Authority (CWA), is facing serious scrutiny. In a response to a question raised by MP Anabelle Savabaddy about the water situation in Constituency No 4 (Port-Louis North/Montagne-Longue), Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Patrick Assirvaden, revealed that the contentious pipe replacement project overseen by Maunthrooa has been referred to the Financial Crimes Commission (FCC).

Since taking office, Minister Assirvaden has characterised the situation as “scandalous,” suggesting a massive misappropriation of public funds.

He disclosed that a staggering Rs 700 million allocated for the pipe replacement project appears to have “vanished,” underlining the urgent need for clarity in this distressing affair.

This money, he reminded the public, came from the taxes of Mauritians, and it is crucial to shed light on this opaque management.

“Money can’t just disappear like that,” he declared, ensuring that Maunthrooa will be held accountable before the FCC.

These serious allegations made following an internal audit report from the CWA in July 2024, which uncovered major discrepancies in the management of funds designated for the pipe replacement programme for the fiscal year 2023-24.

According to the audit, a shocking 44% of payments made were diverted to unrelated projects.

It also noted the absence of a separate bank account, which was mandated by the funding agreement.

Yousra Lalmohamed, the former Chief Internal Auditor of the CWA, explained that the mixing of funds with other revenues complicated the tracking of expenditures.

She mentioned an instance where Rs 20.9 million was transferred to an SBM account, significantly undermining the financial transparency and integrity of the project.

The FCC’s investigation is currently underway, with agents having already raided CWA offices to seize all documents related to the project.

It is anticipated that the former Chief Internal Auditor may also be called to testify, potentially providing key information that could expose the truth behind this scandal.

Patrick Assirvaden emphasised that the CWA and its former officials must be held accountable, asserting that justice will prevail.

He stressed the critical importance of this case in restoring public trust in the management of public funds.

Source: Defi Media