APNAC ZAMBIA CHAPTER PRESS STATEMENT 10/06/2022 ON THE ABORTED MAHOGANY AIR $224,000 CHARTERED PLANE TO FACILITATE TRAVEL FOR THE SPORTS MINISTRY OFFICIALS AND ZAMBIA FOOTBALL FANS
The African Parliamentarians Network Against Corruption (APNAC) Zambia Chapter is highly concerned with developments surrounding the Mahogany Air chartered plane that was expected to fly the sports ministry officials and Zambia football fans to Ivory Coast to provide moral support in the encounter between Zambia and that respective country.
It is unfortunate that while huge sums of money to the tune of US$224,000 was paid to the charterer, the service was not provided at all. We wish to strongly place on record that this does not in any way demonstrate prudent use of public resources.
It has further come to our attention that the charterer is now apprehensive on the call to refund the money paid on grounds that they are owed historical debt by government from 2021.
We now believe the $224,000 was collected out of Government hands by false pretense with impunity by the charterer predetermined not to provide the service.
We are dealing with public funds here and surely someone must be held accountable this financial anormally bordering on courruption.
In the spirit of transparency and accountability, APNAC Zambia Chapter would like to demand as a matter of urgency that;
1. Government explains the criterier that was used to identify the charter plane at $224,000. Was it single sourced?
2.Government explains why there was such a huge difference in pricing between the charterer offered and for a later identified bigger 120 seater plane from Proflight. Why Mahogany Air was first option despite the steep pricing?
3. What was the source of the $224,000 as it is not in any Budget line for 2022. Was it from a well wisher and if so, what is the anticipated quid pro quo?
Was the payment done via Bank transfers or via Cash?
4. Government should instantly report the Mahogany Air and its CEO Dr Jim Belemu that received the money to the Police and relevant law enforcement agencies as we deem this transaction to have been premeditated and bordering on criminality of public resources.
We submit as we work together towards a corrupt free Zambia.
Issued by: Hon. Miles Sampa MP
CHAIRPERSON-APNAC ZAMBIA CHAPTER