By: Feima Sesay
The second prosecution witness in the ongoing chancery matter Paul Bockarie who was recalled by the defence counsels for cross examination on matters rising from the locust visit in New York City has been finally released by the court yesterday after several appearances to testify in the ongoing corruption case of Saidu Nallo, Dr. Samura Kamara and four others.
In continuation of his cross examination by defence Counsel Ibrahim Sorie, the witness said on 15 November, 2019, he and his team left Freetown for a visit to the chancery building in New York for inspection and they arrived there on the 16th and returned to Freetown on 23, February, 2019, adding that they had limited time in new York for the inspection of the building.
In presenting his report made by the team in court, the witness confirmed that at page thirteen (13) of the report 70% work was in progress based on materials which were visibly on the site including doors, rare windows and window frames which was already installed on some parts of the building.
The witness said also based upon information by a representative on site, he stated that other materials were stored outside of the
said site.
Witness Bockarie furthered that 74% of the reviewed budget approximately 2.5 million dollars had been spent on the refurbishment of this project.
He continues that the re-roofing of the building was the major work that was to be done on site at the time of their visit.
He said 50% of the ceiling work had also been completed as well as 50% of plumbing and electrical work done.
Because they had not have enough time during their first visit, Mr. Bockarie said most of what was captured by the team’s report was based on information from the contractor who also did not avail sufficient time for the team.
He agreed that the locust visit which video he has seen show substantial work had been done on the project.
He said the Chancery building is over 60 years old and Mr. Bockarie was also in disagreement with Lawyer Ibrahim Sorie that the older the structure, the costlier it is to renovate.
The witness said the building shown in the video is in its worst state than last seen in 202 when they visited the building.
He said between 2019 t0 2021 Between 70% of the renovation work was complete but by end of 2021 the renovation work was rate at and 47%.
Witness Bockarie also confirmed that since the stop work order by the US authorities in 2021, there has been progressive depreciation of the building.
The witness said during their visit the contractor told the team that he has purchase all the materials and some of them are in the building and others are store in the warehouse.
He said most of the materials he mentioned in his reports in 2019 were still there till 2021 and the contractor was given an inventory of the properties that were in the store.
During cross examination by lawyer Emmanuel Teddy Koroma on behalf of the fifth accused, witness Bockarie said their first visit to the building was a site tour to know about the building and had brief discussion with the contraction.
He furthered that during that visit they took note of certain items they saw at the sites but they did not mentioned on their report the quantity of the items and also did not mentioned the appraisal of cost.
The matter was adjourned to today Thursday 20 April 2023.