Arrest warrant out for ex-city engineer

 THE Lae District Court has issued a warrant of arrest for a former city engineer facing fraud-related charges.

Alex Gawi, from East Sepik was charged with one count each of obtaining money by false pretences and conspiracy last Tuesday.

After his arrest, Gawi told police he would return with his lawyer but failed to appear before the Lae District Court last Friday. 

Gawi’s company, Lae Engineering Contractor and a joint venture partner Lae Equipment Hire, were awarded a K3 million tender by the Morobe provincial supply and tenders board in May 2008 to construct a section of the road near the old airport. 

The 2.1km section runs between Markham and Butibam roads.

Fraud squad detective Michael Aluy said K900,000 was paid by the Department of Finance to Lae Engineering Contractor’s ANZ account after Gawi arranged that the payment be not paid into the joint venture account.