PPDA to question ‘blacklisted’ firms
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) has warned that it will ban from public procurement any firm implicated in the K6.2 billion audit report and found in the wrong.
In a statement signed by acting director general Ireen Mlewa, the authority says it has instituted a review committee which will have a disciplinary hearing with the companies next week.
“Upon conclusion of the hearings, the PPDA shall publish the names of the debarred suppliers and the periods which they shall be excluded from participating in public procurement in the country,” he said.
The information comes days after the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) wrote the authority asking for progress on action to be taken against the companies.
HRDC Chairperson Gift Trapence, however, says he is not satisfied with the information.
“The issue is just straight forward you do not need hearing over the audit report. Malawians are expecting PPDA to act on the matter without delay,” he said.
The K6.2 billion audit report revealed massive rot in how Covid response funds were handled.
Earlier last month, President Lazarus Chakwera directed the authority to punish any company found to have benefitted from the funds.
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.
