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Procurement head waived PS’ consent, testifies MoH director

Procurement head waived PS’ consent, testifies MoH director
By Namatama Mundia
Tue 28 Sep. 2010, 04:10 CAT

MINISTRY of Health director for Policy Planning Davis Chimfwembe yesterday said he was surprised that head of procurement Abel Katongo had issued instructions to process payment of extra mother-baby-kits without consent from the health permanent secretary.

This is in a matter where former Ministry of Health human resources officer Henry Kapoko and eight others are facing theft charges relating to a contract awarded to Kahekam Limited for the supply of extra 50,000 of mother-baby-kits (MBK).

Testifying in the matter before Lusaka magistrate Kenneth Mulife, Chimfwembe, 50, who is currently on forced leave, told the court that he was surprised when he was called at Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) for interrogations to find that Katongo had instructed a procurement specialist, a Mr Mwila, who is Accused Two in the matter, to process payment after getting advance forms.

“I was surprised when I saw those instructions because they could only be issued by the office of the PS permanent secretary….the letter didn’t have sufficient information in terms of the value of the contract and the goods,” he said.

Chimfwembe, however, said he saw a memo dated December 26, 2008 from Ministry of Health director for health and research Dr Victor Mukoka, which requested to increase the number of mother-baby-kits to be procured from 50,000 to 150,000.
He said the justification for the supply of extra mother-baby-kits was that there were too many mothers who were delivering outside health facilities.

“Therefore, it was important that they are attracted to deliver in the health facilities by giving them packs (MBKs). When I saw the memo, I realised that it was an idea that was justified and therefore I supported the idea…on condition that regulations in the ZPPA (Zambia Public Procurement Act) are followed,” Chimfwembe said.

In cross-examination, Chimfwembe said he was sent on forced leave because of the investigations going on at the Ministry of Health.
He said he was not sure if he was a suspect in the matter before court.
Chimfwembe said he was not sure if a contract was binding when it was signed by the purchaser and supplier.

“Dr Simon Miti signed on the contract in the presence of Abel Katongo…the purchaser was Ministry of Health and Kahekam was supplier,” he said.

Chimfwembe said he did not have a problem with the ministry buying extra MBKs if tender procedures were followed. Hearing continues.

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Labels: ABEL KATONGO, DAVIS CHIMFWEMBE, HEALTHCARE

posted by MrK @ 12:31 PM