NCIC tough on contracts
The National Construction Industry Council of Malawi (NCIC) has cleared with the Government Contracting Unit (GCU) to have a requirement for contractors to register with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA).
In the past, some contractors were reportedly securing construction contracts using PPDA registration.
But NCIC Chief Executive Officer Linda Phiri said this gave room to unscrupulous contractors and individuals to secure contracts they could not handle.
Phiri said cancellation of registration with PPDA will help clients and the public get qualified construction companies.
“The anticipation is that both private and public sector engage contractors that are registered with NCIC and award them projects in relation to their registered category.
“So, if it is a contract worth K200 million, they should engage a contractor in that category not based on a receipt from PPDA,” she said.
Engineer Alfonso Chikuni commended the council for the step taken, saying people were using licencing instead of certification which was compromising output.
“The licencing of business by PPDA does not mean certification to do the job because the process of certification is complex and it involves Malawi Institute of Engineering and NCIC,” he said.
PPDA spokesperson Grace Thipa asked for more time before she could comment on the matter.
Justin Mkweu is a fast growing reporter who currently works with Times Group on the business desk.
He is however flexible as he also writes about current affairs and national issues.
