The trial of former Divisional Engineer in the Office of the Commissioner Northern and a Labasa businessman was delayed today after fresh charges were laid against the pair.

Semi Matalau and Jai Surendra Sharma appeared before Magistrate Anare Tuilevuka at the Labasa Magistrates Court facing two new counts of Official Corruption and two counts of Corrupt Practices.

FICAC prosecutor, Paul Madigan submitted to the Court that between 2004 to 2006, Sharma had allegedly paid the deposit and installments for a Mitsubishi Pajero vehicle worth close to $32,000 as a gift to Matalau. In return, Matalau had allegedly improperly awarded contracts to Sharma's company, Babasiga Hire Services to upgrade roads in Labasa.

The pair pleaded not guilty to the charges and the hearing for the consolidated charges has been adjourned to 1st September.

Meanwhile, a new trial has been sought by FICAC in their case against former Fiji Ports Corporation Limited chairman, Sialeni Vuetaki. FICAC prosecutor, Henrietta Matakitoga applied for the new trial to Magistrate Ajmal Gulab Khan this morning.

Vuetaki has been charged with one count of abuse of office after allegedly approving the payment of $177 thousand dollars to the former CEO of Ports Fiji Herbert Hazelman without the authority of the Board. FICAC has been told to submit their application by the 29th of next month.