PPDA speaks tough on procurement laws
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) has fired a warning shot to public officials that they risk answering criminal charges and face disciplinary action if found contravening procurement laws.
PPDA Board Chairperson John Suzi Banda said the authority is now vigilant to ensure transparency and fairness in all public procurement exercises.
He was speaking a capacity building workshop on Monday where officials from PPDA engaged senior management and members of the board of the Blantyre Water Board (BWB).
Banda said over 70 percent of the total budget for every Procuring and Disposing Entity (PDEs) is spent on procurement hence the need to enlighten officials from government Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“There is need for every PDE, including BWB, to adhere to the provisions of the PPDA Act.
“Every procurement and disposal proceedings should ensure that there is fairness and equal opportunity for every bidder, transparency and accountability and ensures value for money when acquiring goods and services,” he said.
BWB Board Chairperson George Nnesa said it was necessary for the management to be equipped with procurement information.
“When we came in there were a number of issues that were sent to the Anti-Corruption Bureau, so those issues affected us because they were pointing at procurement not being done properly, as a result there have been a number of investigations on individuals.
The PPDA derives its mandate from Section 5 (1) of the PPDA Act which states that the authority shall be responsible be responsible for regulatory, monitoring and oversight of public procurement and disposal of assets in Malawi.
