Yeremia Chihana’s battle to hold on to the Blantyre Water Board (BWB) chief executive position has taken another dramatic turn.
The High Court in Blantyre has discharged a stay and injunction that had temporarily allowed the embattled CEO to challenge the effects of his suspension.
High Court Judge Allan Muhome made the ruling this morning following an application by Attorney General Frank Mbeta.
Mbeta told the court that BWB could not continue operating under the current situation, warning that the dispute was putting the water utility’s operations at risk.
“BWB is like a headless organisation. There are fears that Blantyre might run dry if the status quo remains,” Mbeta argued, referring to employees’ closure of the CEO’s office.
The development means Chihana will remain at home while awaiting proceedings before the Supreme Court of Appeal.
His lawyer, Michael Goba Chipeta, declined to comment to journalists, saying he had no instructions to speak to the press.
Chihana’s suspension came after the BWB Board resolved to suspend him with immediate effect pending an inquiry into alleged misconduct.
A memorandum circulated to staff said the suspension was being effected under Clause 3(d) of Chihana’s employment contract.
The memorandum did not reveal the specific allegations against him or state how long the inquiry would take.
It also barred Chihana from entering BWB premises, sites or offices unless invited in writing by the Board Chairperson or a designated representative.
He was further ordered not to communicate directly or indirectly with BWB clients, suppliers or staff, with all such communication to go through the Board Chairperson or a designated representative.
