Board wants Asakusa sidelined

By HARLYNE JOKU
THE National Housing Corporation board has strongly recommended that the managing director of the corporation Paul Asakusa be suspended and an acting managing director be appointed pending investigations.
Documents obtained by The National yesterday showed that the recommendation is in a submission dated Feb 27 and before the NEC for deliberation.
It was presented by Housing Minister Andrew Kumbakor.
NHC board chairman Richard Maru first raised the concerns to Mr Kumbakor of serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement, corruption, subordination and serious breeches of the Finance Management Act in a letter dated last Nov 28 to Mr Kumbakor.
“The Board is more than satisfied that there are serious grounds to warrant his (Mr Asakusa’s) suspension,” Mr Maru wrote.
“Please note that apart from the initial allegations which were considered by the NEC resulting in his earlier suspension, there are more new and serious allegations against him. The board has referred him to the Ombudsman Commission as I have advised you earlier,” he continued.
The present NEC submission also states that the top management of the NHC has failed to maintain a professional working relationship with the NHC board and the Ministry of Housing.
“The recent publicised allegations of unlawful evictions, illegal sale of houses etc highlight the prevailing state of scanty management culture of the corporation. Due processes are not complied with the sales and transfers of titles. There are so many numerous complaints. A thorough investigation only would reveal the true extent of the schematic dealings,” the recommendation read.