Go And Recover Public Resources Paid For Undelivered Goods And Services -HH

President Hakainde Hichilema has tasked relevant authorities to enforce measures that will recover public resources paid for undelivered goods and services to the government.

President Hichilema said that it is unacceptable that contracts worth about K12 billion were signed for feeder roads and some contractors were given down payments, but no works has been done. He stated that over $63-million was also paid for two projects which were never delivered.

During the opening of a Procurement meeting for Ministers and Permanent Secretaries in Lusaka on Monday, the President said the assembly was intened to encouragofficers to move in and get back the money.

The President asked the Ministers and Permanent Secretaries to help restore order in the public procurement process and avoid being found on the wrong side of the law.

The President revealed that public expenditure, procurement of fertilizer, fuel, infrastructures like roads, and general procurement have been the major hindrance to economic development and need urgent attention.

President Hichilema remined his ministers that Zambians voted for employment, health, education, and opportunities, which he hopes will come from enhanced trade and investments and this all beings by sorting out challenges in th public service.

Acting Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, said the public service needs serious transformation to promote effectiveness, humility, and inclusiveness as part of delivering targets by the new dawn administration.

Auditor General Dick Sichembe in his presentation of the 2020 Report said weaknesses such as unplanned procurement, awarding contracts to bidders who did not have the capacity to deliver, failure to obtain clearance from his office, and signing of contracts by unauthorized persons among other issues that were discovered.