Motorway issue: deals signed in coffee shop and Belkhadem ordered to reduce the project price

Suspects involved in the Motorway issue have appeared in court for the third day. Secretary General at the public works ministry Mohamed Bouchama held “foreign parties” responsible for disturbing the project.

Judge Tayeb Hilali questioned Chani Madjdoub about his banking accounts and his company in Algeria.

He also asked him about Kheladi who called for the appearance of General Hassan to testify.

Chani said Kheldai contacted him and gave him an appointment in a coffee shop in Algiers.

“He told me General Hassan who is in charge of terror-related cases sent him to me,” he told the judge.

“I am a well-known businessman. I entered Algeria to invest. General Hassan helped me. I received Kheladi in my office in Algiers twice. We talked about problems faced by the Chinese company in charge of the project. My job was to offer consultancies in finance and investment,” he added.

He also said Chinese faced hindrances put by Algerians.

Asked about problems faced by Chinese in the motorway project, the suspect said they wanted to contact minister Ghoul. They paid him 10 billion centimes in return for his consultancies.

The judge also questioned Bouchama and asked him about his relation with Chani.

“It is sad that the project is only linked to corruption. We made efforts on it. It was supposed to be a pride source for Algeria. Instead, executives are in jail,” he said.

He added that President Abdelaziz Bouteflika ordered to assign Arab engineering consultants. They realized that the price was very high but it was suitable in view to deadlines and landform. Abdelaziz Belkhadem, the head of government at that time asked to reduce the price to the minimum.