Mips calls prudence in procurement

The Malawi Institute of Procurement and Supply (Mips) has said adherence to ethics among procurement professionals will help the country save resources amidst economic woes.

Mips chief executive officer Gladys Mwale said diligence and prudence among procurement professionals can save the country’s income that can be used to support other areas of pressing needs.

Mwale was speaking on the sidelines of a procurement meeting, which was held in Blantyre.

With 70 percent of the national budget going towards procurement, Mwale said there is need for a change in the manner in which procurement is done observing it remains the country’s growth spinner.

“What we have noted is that if procurement is done properly, something can be saved out of the little resources the country generates. We are advocating for prudency among procurement professionals so that whatever is saved through procurement can be channelled to other areas of need,” she said.

Mwale said procurement professionals are in some cases coaxed by suppliers to engage in corrupt practices that in turn compromises their practice.

“We are advocating for a proper working relationship between procurement professionals and suppliers so that they realise their roles in developing the nation. Procurement professionals have a role to play if the country can save the little resources available,” said Mwale.

During the AGM, Erdington Chilapondwa was endorsed as new Mips president.

Chilapondwa’s appointment was made at a council members meeting on December 19, 2015 following Mips’ Annual General Meeting (AGM) held sometime in October.

In his remarks Chilapondwa committed to steer the organisation to greater heights through increased membership.

“We want every procurement officer to be a member of Mips. Just like it happens in other professions, we want procurement professionals to have a backing through membership,” he said.

Chilapondwa said ethical direction in the work of all procurement professionals is also among his goals to create confidence among employing institutions.

“We appreciate that procurement is very prone to so many interventions. We want to put ethical dimension in place so that professionals are guided in their transactions in the eyes of the public and in their working institutions.