Dr. Reddy told me that we will get water if I go with them during election – Waisea Lelobo

The first FICAC witness in the trial of former Education Minister Doctor Mahendra Reddy said in the Suva Magistrates Court today that Doctor Reddy told him not to go to the media, and if he was with them during the election then they will get water.

When asked by FICAC counsel Rashmi Aslam, Waisea Lelobo also revealed that he was one of the campaign managers of SODELPA.

Lelobo says that on the 8th of May this year, there was a meeting at Penang Sangam High School for the launch of the School Management Book.

He says that Doctor Reddy then had a question and answer session where Lelobo asked the Minister what they have done about the water supply issue at Ra High School as they have raised this many times with other ministers.

Lelobo says Doctor Reddy then said that if Lelobo was with them during the election then they will get water. 

65-year-old Waisea Lelobo confirmed in court that he is a retired primary school teacher and is now the school manager for Ra High School.

Lelobo says he was elected as a school manager in 2010.

When asked by FICAC counsel if he engaged in politics, Lelobo said that he was the campaign manager for SODELPA in Ra.

He says he was a SODELPA member and was elected as a campaign manager.

He confirms that Ra High School faces water supply problems.

He says the water source is 12 miles away from the school.

FICAC has confirmed that it will call four witnesses in the trial.

Doctor Reddy has pleaded not guilty to one count of bribery and one count of undue influence before Chief Magistrate Usaia Ratuvili.

It is alleged that Doctor Mahendra Reddy, on or about 8th May this year, in Rakiraki, in order to influence the vote of Waisea Lelobo, the Manager of Ra High School, directly conferred or offered to confer a benefit namely a steady water source for Ra High School.

It is also alleged that Doctor Reddy on or about 8th May this year, in Rakiraki, interfered with the free exercise or performance of a political right of Waisea Lelobo that is relevant to the 2018 election.

The trial continues in the Magistrates Court.