Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has urged State House to provide clarity and assurance on Premier Consult’s involvement in the First Quantum Minerals (FQM’s) evaluation, in relation to the conflict of interest involving the chairperson of the President’s Economic Advisory Council.
TI-Z has noted with concern the conflict of interest in the awarding of FQM’s 1.3 billion United States dollars expansion investment evaluation consultancy to Professor Oliver Saasa through his consultancy firm, Premier Consult.
TI-Z Chapter President Sampa Kalungu says their concern stems from the fact that Professor Saasa is the chairperson of the Economic Advisory Council, appointed by President Hakainde Hichilema, to provide advice to the President on economic matters.
Mr. Kalungu says the recommendations from the evaluation of FQM are crucial in informing the government on its next actions with regard to the country’s mining sector and overall economic development, hence their grave concern that an individual who is meant to guide the President on the country’s economic decisions, is on the other end, evaluating the country’s largest taxpayer on its investment.
He says TI-Z, has serious concerns bordering on how sure the government can be that the recommendations given about FQM will be based on an independent and unbiased assessment, given the clear ties Premier Consult has as an evaluator of FQM.