Techno Brain, the company that was contracted to supply and install an electronic visa issuance system at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, has trashed the government’s claim that it owes Capital Hill $21 million (about K36.7 billion).
Recently, Homeland Security Minister Ken Zikhale Ngoma indicated that Techno Brain was yet to remit over $21 million (K36.7 billion) in e-visa fees to the Malawi Government.
But in an emailed response to government’s allegations, Techno Brain representative Nandan Gopalakrishna said the firm is surprised and concerned to learn of allegations that it owes the Malawi Government $21 million under the e-visa contract.
“The claim is both incorrect and misleading. According to the agreement terms and documented communications with the government, Techno Brain is actually owed a substantial amount for the e-Visa project and the continuous services it has been providing,” Gopalakrishna said.
He said his company is communicating with the Malawi Government on the matter, adding that they are fully committed to resolving any outstanding issue.
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Gopalakrishna added that they would continue to engage government officials to address the matter swiftly and ensure that the people of Malawi are not deprived of any crucial service.
But Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda Tuesday insisted that the company owes the Malawi Government the said sum.
“If I can remember, the company remitted $5,000 to the Malawi Government five months ago and they are still owing government money,” he said.
Recently, Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma confirmed the situation, expressing concerns over the financial management and compliance issues involved.
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“Apart from the visa contract, Techno Brain has another…fingerprint contract with the Malawi Police Service. It also had the passport contract, which was terminated by the Attorney General. All these are worth millions of dollars; they have to remit that money,” Zikhale Ng’oma said.
Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu also confirmed separately that the contract was from August 21 2018 to August 21 2021.
“That period expired, and we have been engaging technologists for the release and remittance of the said money [which] they have been retaining. They have to immediately hand over the BOT [Buy, Operate and Transfer] system to us as the contract period expired long ago,” Kunkuyu said
He said Techno Brain is illegally on the Malawi government visa system.
According to the contract for the electronic visa issuance system, it was established under a BOT model between the Government of Malawi, represented by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, and Techno Brain Global FZE.
The agreement, signed in 2018 by the then principal secretary for Home Affairs and Internal Security Samuel Madula and the-then director general for Immigration Masauko George Medi, outlined specific responsibilities and payment structures.
