Corruption Crack Down Nets More Suspects

Dec 29 , 2018


[ssba-buttons]

A total of 77 current and former officials in Oromia Regional State have been arrested over suspicion of corruption, and most of the suspects arrested have already appeared in court. The arrest over a week ago granted the Region’s Anti-Corruption Commission the right of custody. The suspects come from several offices and levels in the regional administration, which includes Oromia Credit & Saving Association, Oromia Procurement & Property Disposal Agency, the region’s roads authority, Gelan’s and Shashemene’s city administrations and Jimma zone. The arrests were made by forces from the Oromia Police Commission, based on the investigation conducted by the Oromia Anti-Corruption Commission in the past year, according to Abebe Kebede, the Commissioner. The investigations conducted by the Commission spanned nine branches, 10 files and involved the procurement of items in excess of 71 million Br in value, according to the Commissioner. Among the arrested were Mohammed Qasim, director of the region’s procurement agency, Mengistu Regassa, head of Bole Lemi Industrial Park, Teshome Legesse, head of Oromia Credit & Saving Association, and the mayors of Gelan and Shashemene.


Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...