The government of Equatorial Guinea has ordered the reopening of an investigation into alleged overcharges exceeding 39 billion CFA francs linked to 14 electrification projects at four airports, according to an official statement published on Thursday, 22 October.
The works cover the platforms at Bata, Mongomeyen, Corisco and Annobón, as well as the purchase of 50 generators. Reports from the Ministry of Public Works and the supervision firm CIEC had flagged these overcharges, according to the vice-presidency.
The same source says a document signed by the state and Sodilexa mentions the company's acknowledgement of overinvoicing and its commitment to seek an agreement. A new assessment, however, argues that the state should instead owe Sodilexa 22 billion CFA francs, which led the authorities to resume checks.
A multisector commission must now review the certifications and accounts of the projects. It includes the Ministry of Public Works, GE-Proyectos, the electricity services and the Team firm, among others, in order to establish the financial balance of the operations before any decision.
The file had already been the subject of an assessment in June, which pointed to a potential claim of 10 billion CFA francs in favour of the state for the Bata airport works alone. The amounts announced remain contested and no final responsibility has been established.