December 23, 2024

Around the Regions

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Contractors admits to giving kickbacks to Senior Region Ten Officials

Accused of receiving Kickbacks, AREO Ms. Lanna Albert

At least three contractors have come forward to disclose that they were forced into giving
kickbacks to several senior officials attached to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) Region
Ten. Speaking to www.aroundtheregions.com on the condition of anonymity the contractors
detailed some harrowing tales of how the kickbacks and other corrupt practices were executed in
Region Ten.
“The operation was well organised and these officials ensured that they kept the pressure on the
contactors so that they could get what they felt was theirs. Many persons had to fall in and play
along as they either delayed their payment and or created issues, thus preventing them from
getting the contracts,” a contractor disclosed.
The three contractors who broke their silence confessed that they like others were ‘pressured’ to
be a part of the scheme. One said that he should a thorough and fair investigation be done, he is
prepared to reveal what took place. Handing over evidence of what this media houses concluded
points to corrupt and unprofessional practices, it was revealed that despite being promoted to the
post of AREO, Lanna Albert was allowed to continue performing duties as Confidential
Secretary to the REO and Secretary of the Regional Tender Board.
One of the contractors said, “This thing was done in a smart way. The Tender Board Secretary
(Albert) will divulge certain information and she used her influence with the evaluators and the
contractor with the support of some Tender Board members it would be secured. After the
contract is awarded, the contractor was expected to pay his part to the secretary and also leave
the accounts department cut. This thing is so organized that every contractor already knew what
they had to do, what was expected of them if they wanted to win a contract.”
An inside source related that it is an organized system involving many persons who are all
expected to play various parts in ensuring that the ‘contract’ is successfully executed. “There is a
need for a major shakeup at this RDC because I will not doubt the contractors as there have been
others who have accused several including the Tender Board Secretary of leaking valuable
information out, but like everything else nothing happens.,” the source said.
The contractor who is not from Region Ten revealed evidence where he has given several
persons in the region kickbacks. He detailed how and to whom these monies were paid over to
the RDC. Another revealed that he bought a returned ticket to the USA for the AREO, Lanna
Albert who also serves as Confidential Secretary.
“What I am saying now I can say out in the open, because there is no secret because on
numerous occasions information from the Tender Board meetings were disclosed to certain
contractors and persons. I want you to know that this wasn’t going on only while Orrin Gordon
was there, this entire thing where information and kickbacks are being given was way before
Gordon was the REO,” the contractor said.

However, when contacted by this media house, Albert initially refused to comment. She
subsequently said, “Look I am not mixed up in anything and I don’t want to be mixed up I am
begging you. I don’t know about that, it's an allegation and there isn’t any evidence.”
Questioned on allegations that she has in the past leaked and or voluntarily given out information
emanating from the Regional Tender Board meetings, Albert reminded this media house of her
long service to the region.
“Look I have been working here for the past 30 years and that isn’t true,” she declared.
Additionally, when told that this media house would have secured evidence contracting her
comments, the AREO refused to further comment. She stated that she no longer wishes to make
any further statements. She subsequently ended the conversation.