UKA RESPONSE TO THE STATEMENT ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT ON THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (PAC) FINDINGS
Lusaka- Friday December 06, 2024
The United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) has taken note of the statement issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, Mr. Thabo Kawana, in response to the findings of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) regarding the procurement and delivery of ambulances under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
For the first time in Zambia’s governance history, the nation has witnessed a government directly reacting to the PAC’s findings through a press briefing.
While we acknowledge this as an unprecedented move that could signal a desire for enhanced transparency and accountability, it also raises critical questions about the underlying motivations and the content of the government’s response.
As UKA, we view the concerns raised by PAC regarding the awarding of a tender to a pharmacy located in Garden compound as a matter of public interest that warrants serious introspection rather than an emotional defense.
UKA OBSERVATIONS
1. Transparency in Procurement Processes
The government’s emphasis on empowering local suppliers through the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) Circular No.1 of 2023 is commendable.
However, this must be accompanied by stringent oversight mechanisms to ensure that businesses that win tenders are not aligned to senior government officials.
2. Addressing Core PAC Concerns
The issue at hand is not the location of the company awarded the tender but whether due diligence was conducted to ascertain its capacity to supply ambulances in line with the contractual obligations.
The public deserves to know if procurement guidelines and quality standards were adhered to and whether the awarding process met the principles of transparency and accountability.as enshrined in the procurement act.
3. Avoiding Deflection and Emotional Appeals
The government’s statement attempts to shift focus from the procurement irregularities raised by PAC to a narrative about discrimination against businesses in compounds.
This deflection undermines the seriousness of the PAC’s findings and the expectations of citizens who demand accountability for public funds.
4. Warning to Non-Compliant Suppliers
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While the warning to suppliers about adhering to contractual obligations is valid, the government must ensure that it leads by example by strengthening its procurement vetting processes to avoid awarding contracts to entities that are ill-prepared or under-qualified or favour politicians.
5. Commitment to Accountability
The government’s assurance of legal consequences for non-compliance is a positive step.
However, this commitment must be demonstrated through consistent action, including addressing irregularities identified by PAC and ensuring that public officers implicated in mismanagement face the full penalty of the law.
UKA URGES THE GOVERNMENT TO;
1. Provide a detailed and factual explanation addressing PAC’s findings, including the specific measures taken to investigate and rectify any procurement irregularities.
2. Refrain from politicizing serious issues of governance and instead focus on fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism in public office.
3. Strengthen the capacity of PAC by ensuring its recommendations are implemented without fear or favor, as this is critical to restoring public confidence in government tendering and procurement process.
4. Uphold the highest standards of transparency by making procurement processes open to public scrutiny and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their business location, are treated fairly and equitably.
The United Kwacha Alliance UKA reiterates its commitment to supporting all initiatives aimed at promoting accountability, transparency, and the prudent use of public resources.
UKA remains steadfast in advocating for a Zambia where government actions are guided by integrity and competence in the best interests of all our people.
Signed:
Jackson Silavwe
Chairperson Communications
United Kwacha Alliance- UKA