GASABO - The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is holding the Mayor of Ngororero- Western Province, for allegedly exonerating a construction company, Ecofomo, of Rwf 31million, a fine the company was supposed to pay if it breached its contract.

A police source said Ecofomo had been contracted to construct a district market but failed to meet the deadline.

The Mayor, Cyprian Nsengiyumva, was arrested yesterday and by press time he was being detained at CID Headquarters in Kacyiru. When contacted yesterday, confirmed the development.

"Yes, we have arrested him and investigations have started. We want to know why he exonerated this firm,” CID boss, Christopher Bizimungu told The New Times on phone.

Asked whether the mayor could have taken a kickback in order to exonerate the firm, Bizimungu said it was still early to apportion blame.

"It could be possible but we are still investigating. We shall get to the root cause of the matter.”

Police said investigations into the matter will be carried out expeditiously.

"The message here is very clear. There is no room for corrupt-minded people,” Bizimungu said.

Government anti-graft bodies have in the past exposed shady dealings involving senior government officials who connive with road construction firms to steal State finances.

Last year, police arrested former Ministry of Infrastructure Permanent Secretary, Vincent Gatwabuyenge and the Director General Central Public Investment and External Finance Bureau (CEPEX), George Katureebe for alleged implication in corruption.

The two were accused of exonerating Strabag of Rwf456 million, a fine the company had to pay after breaching a contract it had with the government.

The company is reported to have delayed by two months to complete the construction of Kicukiro-Bugesera, Butare-Kibeho and Mudasomwa-Gisovu roads.

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