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Amidst the release of the 2022 Audit Report by the Audit Service Sierra Leone (ASSL), the Gento Group of Companies, headed by CEO Mohamed Gento Kamara, strongly refutes claims of double payment for the Waterloo Township Roads Contract, valued at $42,782,727 with the Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA).
The audit scrutinizes an alleged $5,439,499.26 additional payment from the Road Maintenance Fund Administration (RMFA) in 2018, sparking suspicions of dual payments as RMFA reportedly settled IPC 1 in 2016.
CEO Mohamed Gento Kamara, in an exclusive interview, categorically rejects the allegations as “completely false and misleading.” He clarifies that the submitted Interim Payment Certificates (IPC No.1A to IPC No., totaling USD$27,248,918.07, represent legitimate claims for completed work. Gento stresses that delay payment interest and the suspension of works should be treated as contractual claims, not deducted from the overall contract sum, adhering to specific agreement clauses.
Gento highlights that Clause 70.1, pertaining to material and labor cost adjustments, was never invoked during the contract’s execution. Despite challenges like high inflation and rising material costs, he emphasizes that the project adhered to the original contractual sum.
Regarding the project’s suspension, Gento clarifies that the Ministry of Finance verbally communicated the suspension in 2018 for a forensic audit, without a written notice or contractual requirement for one.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the audit process, Gento discloses that his company was not contacted by ASSL and SLRA for clarifications or given an opportunity to comment before the report’s compilation. He disputes the applied procedures and conclusions, asserting that the Gento Group did not receive double payment during the Waterloo Township Roads Project.
Emphasizing the company’s commitment to transparency and cooperation, Gento voices concerns about the potential impact of the allegations on their reputation and ongoing projects. He calls for a fair and thorough review of the audit findings to ensure accuracy and impartial assessments.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders anticipate further developments and responses from relevant authorities. The Gento Group’s denial initiates what could be a prolonged investigation into the allegations, raising questions about the credibility of the audit process and the company’s standing.
