Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Republican President Hakainde Hichilema has warned Ministers and Permanent Secretaries that he will be watching them very closely with regards public sector procurement.
Addressing the ministers and permanent secretaries during a meeting on procurement in public service in Lusaka today, President Hichilema implored the ministers and permanent secretaries to restore order in public sector procurement.
He says the workshop is meant to encourage the ministers and permanent secretaries to recover the money lost through dubious contracts awarded during the previous regime.
President Hichilema points out that in one instance, the government lost US$63 million in two contracts which the contractors never delivered.
He has also questioned how the attorney general then approved the contracting of over K12.9 billion contracts for feeder roads against a budget of K300 million.
President Hichilema adds that he’s aware that some ministers are under pressure from businesses that have survived on government contracts, warning that they risk being flashed out.
And President Hichilema has advised Ministers and Permanent secretaries against unnecessary trips as part of cost control measures.
He says when Ministers have to move, they must travel with smaller delegations.