Rupiah’s govt has appetite for corruption – HH

Rupiah’s govt has appetite for corruption – HH
By Chibaula Silwamba
Sat 06 Mar. 2010, 03:50 CAT

UPND president Hakainde Hichilema yesterday said the government's single-sourcing of China Jiangsu International to sink 6,000 boreholes countrywide at the cost of US $50 million is part of corrupt activities being perpetuated by those in the President Rupiah Banda administration.

Commenting on the Ministry of Energy and Water Development's awarding of a contract to China Jiangsu International Economic-Technical Cooperation Corporation Limited, Hichilema accused the President Banda government of having appetite for corruption.

He wondered why the government continued to abrogate the public procurement Act by single sourcing of contracts like in the case of the evaluation of Zamtel, fuel procurement and other tenders.

He challenged the government to abide by the public procurement Act.

“They must follow the law. The MMD has proven that they have no capacity to follow the law,” said Hichilema. “Zambian people must reject this.”

He said the Zambian people must stand up and reject the contract awarded to China Jiangsu International.

Insiders at the Ministry of Energy and Water Development revealed that the government awarded the contract within one week.

“The contract involves the construction of 6,000 boreholes countrywide and the amount for the project is US $50 million, the bidder is China Jiangsu International Economic-Technical Cooperation Corporation Ltd,” the insider said.

“Tender invitation: 18th February, 2010, receipt of bid 18th February, 2010, letter for negotiation 22nd February, 2010, authority to negotiate given on 22nd February, 2010 and date of negotiations on 23rd February, 2010 and award of authority by CTC (Central Tender Committee) on 23rd February, 2010. Therefore, direct bidding (bid rigging) contrary to ZPPA Act of 2008.”

But Ministry of Energy and Water Development permanent secretary Teddy Kasonso on Thursday said the contract had not been concluded.

“We have not yet concluded that contract. No! Not yet,” said Kasonso. “Where do you get all that kind of money? All processes have to be followed and so on.”