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(TIMES ZM) North anti-graft team summons Simfukwe

North anti-graft team summons Simfukwe

THE Northern Province taskforce on corruption has summoned former provincial permanent secretary Mwalimu Simfukwe and his former procurement officials for questioning.

The task force is probing the alleged awarding of a tender worth K1.8billion to Pamoja Contractors and General Suppliers for the construction of culverts in Isoka, Chinsali, Mpulungu and Kaputa.

The contract exceeded the K500 million threshold, which was beyond what the permanent secretary and his provincial tender committee could approve.

This should have been referred to the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) for consent or objection.

Also being probed is the alleged awarding of a contract to Pachi Business Solutions worth K700 million for the supply of building materials for various projects in the province.

This contract was awarded in circumstances that allegedly flouted tender procedures.

Taskforce chairperson, who is Northern Province police commissioner, Mary Chikwanda, said she was concerned that Mr Simfukwe appeared to be evading investigators by giving excuses.

But Mr Simfukwe said in an interview yesterday that he would make himself available on Monday next week in the company of his lawyers.

Mrs Chikwanda said the former permanent secretary was earlier expected to appear before the taskforce in Kasama last week but had not done so.

She said Mr Simfukwe demanded a formal call-out to be faxed to him and promised to give his number as he was in Mbala, but allegedly failed to do so.

The taskforce is also investigating the awarding of contract to Jubeto Construction worth K941 million and Kahema Contractors that was given a tender worth K755, 780,000.00.

The contracts were for the supply of building materials for the construction of Mwenewisi Bridge in Mafinga District under the Road Development Agency (RDA).

The other tender under probe was awarded to Cornerstone Heritage worth K850 million for the supply and installation of traffic lights in Kasama.

Mrs Chikwanda said the taskforce is also investigating allegations that, while Mr Simfukwe was in office, he ran a cattle restocking exercise for Mbesuma Ranch and allegedly diverted cattle meant for the ranch in Chinsali to his farm in Mbala.

By Times Reporter

Labels: CONTRACTORS, CORRUPTION, MWALIMU SIMFUKWE, ROADS

posted by MrK @ 8:26 PM