The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has found itself between a rock and hard surface for allegedly breaching procurement procedures over the purchase of Silver Strikers’ new bus, Malawi News Sport can reveal.
Due to the situation, divisions have emerged as to whether the Central Bank should accept the bus on behalf of the team or not.
This comes after Silver Strikers Football Club Company Limited rejected the bus which was delivered by Automotive Products Limited (APL) claiming it does not meet the standards.
Again, the Central Bank is divided on whether to purchase another bus for the team or not. According to minutes from RBM which Malawi News has seen, there was an anomaly as Silver Strikers initiated the procurement process.
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“Silver Strikers refused acceptance of the bus delivered by Products Limited because it is not meeting their standards- no air conditioners (requested supplier to modify but indicated it is impossible, seatbelts. No advance payment was paid by the Bank. The Governor was suggesting that the Bank should take the bus but the Executive Directors advised that it would not be in the best interest of the Bank either.
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“The procurement process was initiated by Silver Strikers, which was an anomaly. APL is offering to sell on behalf of the Bank but the governor is fearing what would happen if the price realised will be lower than the cost,’’ reads part of the minutes which Malawi News has seen.
Recently, pictures of the new Silver bus went viral on social media. However, Silver are still using the old small bus as mystery surrounds the whereabouts of the new bus.
When contacted Friday, Silver Chief Executive Officer Patrick Chimimba was reluctant to comment on the matter.
“I cannot comment on the matter,’’ Chimimba said.
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RBM spokesperson Mark Lungu was yet to respond to our questionnaire after several attempts this week.
However, earlier in the week, Lungu said what he knew was that the Bank was buying the bus for the team.
“I know the Bank was buying them the bus, but beyond that, I don’t have much information,’’ he said in a written response on Tuesday.
A well-placed source at Silver confided Friday that the club has asked for another bus from the supplier.
On his part, APL General Manager Limbikani Gumbo said he had no official communication from its client on the matter.
“Please take note that we have not received any written communication from our client on this,’’ he said in a written response.
RBM are official sponsors of Silver men’s, women’s, Reserve and Youth teams.
