World Bank bars three PwC Africa units from pitching for deals
The units had engaged in “fraudulent practices” in the building of a high-voltage electricity transmission line, says lender
Add BT as a preferred source
[KENYA] The World Bank has barred PwC subsidiaries in Mauritius, Kenya and Rwanda from providing professional services for projects it finances for 21 months.
The units had engaged in “collusive and fraudulent practices” as part of their work on the construction of a high-voltage electricity transmission line linking Kenya and Ethiopia, the Washington-based lender said on Wednesday (Mar 18).
It added that the three units “obtained confidential procurement information from project officials to improperly influence the award of consultancy services” in 2019.
That contract was for the implementation of global accounting standards at the Ethiopia Electric Power Corporation (EEPC).
They also attempted to influence the awarding of another contract at EEPC, in which they misrepresented the availability, qualifications and employment status of key experts, while not disclosing all sub-consultants.
The three PwC subsidiaries “admit culpability for sanctionable practices”, the bank said. As part of the settlement, they will receive a shorter debarment period, and are required to strengthen their internal integrity and compliance programmes.
Navigate Asia in
a new global order
Get the insights delivered to your inbox.
Requests for comment from the three subsidiaries were unanswered.
The Eastern Electricity Highway Project included the construction of 1,045 km of high-voltage lines between Wolayta in Ethiopia and Suswa in Kenya.
The link helped Ethiopia supply over 10 per cent of its neighbour’s power needs in January, said the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. BLOOMBERG
Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free.
Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services
