Corruption is rampant in public procurement processes – Chilikwela

Corruption is rampant in public procurement processes – Chilikwela
Written by Margaret Habbuno
Saturday, September 19, 2009 5:16:34 PM

PROCUREMENT Professional Alliance Against Corruption (PPAAC) coordinating director Beriat Chilikwela has stated that corruption is rampant in public procurement processes.

In a press statement yesterday, Chilikwela stated that high levels of corruption in the public procurement had led to decreased confidence in the countryís public systems.

ìIt is for this reason that the government should ensure that the anti-corruption policy addressed such problems. PPAAC is however trying to curb the vice,î he stated.

Chilikwela stated that the procurement profession should join in the fight against corruption and support the government in this endeavour.

ìIt must be realised that all government projects involve procurement at one stage or another. It is common knowledge that the public procurement process has been married with corruption incidents which has led to the decreased confidence in the procurement process,î Chilikwela stated.

He said the onus was on the procurement professionals to come out clean and be identified with the fight against corruption in the procurement process.

ìIf we are to regain the lost public trust and confidence, we need to be identified with the fight against corruption. As a way of supporting the implementation of the Anti-Corruption policy, PPAACC in conjunction with the Zambia Institute of Purchase and Supply (ZIPS), will be holding a two day workshop on the 24th and 25th September 2009Ö,î stated Chilikwela.