COMMENT - From LONRHO to SocGen to the IMF. Seems 'eminently qualified' to me.
IMF Appoints Chileshe Kapwepwe as Alternate Executive Director
TIME PUBLISHED - Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 5:59 pm
The International Monetary Fund has appointed Former Ministry of Finance Deputy Minister Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe as Alternate Executive Director for its Africa Group One Constituency.
Speaking upon receiving the news from the IMF, Finance Minister Alexander Chikwanda immediately welcomed the appointment and described Ms. Kapwepwe as eminently qualified and experienced to diligently and effectively advance the interests of the IMF – Africa Group 1 Constituency.
“It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe, as Alternate Executive Director for the IMF Africa Group 1 Constituency. The ascension of Ms. Kapwepwe to this high position, at the same time that another Zambian is serving on the Executive Board of the World Bank, gives me pride and confidence that African interests will firmly be articulated by Zambian Nationals serving on the Boards of the Bretton Woods Institutions [IMF & World Bank],” said Mr. Chikwanda.
Ms. Kapwepwe’s appointment follows a selection process that was conducted during the IMF Annual Meetings held in Tokyo, Japan, in October 2012. A few weeks ago, Dr. Denny Kalyalya, another Zambian, was appointed as Executive Director of the World Bank Africa Group I Constituency.
A Chartered Accountant by Profession, Ms Kapwepwe is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants ACCA (United Kingdom), a Fellow of the Zambia Institute of Chartered Accountants (ZICA) and also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Bath (United Kingdom). She has over 20 years management experience in both the private and public sectors serving in the aviation and motor industries, and also has vast experience in international trade and quality assurance matters.
Ms. Kapwepwe served as Deputy Minister of Finance and National Planning, from 2008 to 2011. Earlier, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Airports Corporation Limited for seven years from 2001 to 2007. Between 1993 and 2000, she was the Contract Manager for SGS – Societe General de Surveillance, a Swiss Multinational, overseeing operations in International Trade and Quality Assurance in Zambia. She also served as Chief Accountant for Star Commercial Limited (LONRHO Group) in the motor industry in Zambia between 1991 and 1992.
Mr. Chikwanda described Ms. Kapwepwe as, “a humble professional who is profoundly schooled and through whom management talent among women in Zambia will be viewed positively by the International Community.”
On behalf of the Management and Staff, Minister Chikwanda wished Ms. Kapwepwe success as she takes on the challenging and important assignment at the IMF – Africa Group One Constituency.
Labels: ALEXANDER CHIKWANDA, CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, IMF
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COMMENT - It never seizes to amaze me how neoliberal economists can define 'growth' without taking into account the masses that will hang them in the streets when they are going to be forced to wait for an end to poverty for another generation - poverty will not be reduced in another 30 years following the MMD's policies, according to the finance minister. As if they have another 30 years in office. 'Per capita income' merely means that they take GDP and divide that by the number of citizens. As we know, the mining sector is now foreign owned and does not pay taxes. It is utterly meaningless when there is massive inequality, which results in 40% of the population being malnourished. FDI is just another heist.
Zambia’s re-classification means reduction in Donor Aid and increase in Foreign Investment-Musokotwane
TIME PUBLISHED - Friday, July 15, 2011, 1:55 pm
Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane (right) talks to Deputy Minister Chileshe Kapwepwe after he addressed journalists in LusakaFinance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane has described the classification of Zambia to the lower Middle Income status country by the World Bank as a clear manifestation that government’s economic policies are materializing.
Speaking to Journalists in Lusaka this morning, Dr. Musokotwane said this classification means a reduction in donor Aid to Zambia and increased foreign investment.
Dr. Musokotwane says Zambia will now be able to access non concession loans adding that previously the country had been constrained by concession financing which is limited.
The minister has further explained that the country now lies in the range of 1,600 to 3,975 dollars per capita income adding that the target for government is to reach up to over 1,200 dollars per capita income which is for a high income status country.
And Dr. Musokotwane has said the economic reform process has not been easy for government and that this achievement is as a result of political will towards driving the country to economic prosperity.
On whether Zambia’s classification translates into poverty reduction in the country, the minister says the effects on the average household will slowly manifestadding that even in the High Income status countries, problems of the effect are there.
QFM
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, NEOLIBERALISM, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE
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Kapwepwe calls for shift in attitude towards resources
By Sandra Lombe in Livingstone
Sun 08 Aug. 2010, 04:00 CAT
FINANCE deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwe says there is need for a complete shift in people’s mindset in managing resources, time and attitude towards work if Zambia is to develop.
During the ZICA, CIMA, ACCA annual business conference at Sun Hotel in Livingstone, Kapwepwe said a shift is needed in the mindset and attitude towards work and enthusiasm to act as agents of value-adding change at a personal, corporate and national level.
“There are many aspects of publicly held notions that need to be changed if the development efforts and opportunities that government is bringing forward are to have a significant effect on the livelihoods of the Zambian people,” she said.
Kapwepwe said the aspect of corporate failure and auditing change was a critical area that needed to be looked at if enormous public and private sector resources were to be used efficiently for set objectives.
She said government efforts in social service delivery and infrastructure development in health, education, roads and other sectors were being frustrated by some nationals through misapplication of resources.
“There is therefore need for corporate governance structures that will focus more on strengthening the internal audit function as a management tool to ensuring that there is a day-to-day focus on ensuring that government resources are used to create value for the people,” she said.
Kapwepwe called for a regular performance review of the audit committees to ensure they remained focused on delivering against their set objectives. She said the government through the central bank had been engaging the commercial banks to review the lending rates in view of the falling Treasury bill rates and the strong resilience the economy and growth rates recorded over the recent years.
“Government has made enormous strides in attracting Foreign Direct Investment. In the first quarter of 2010, in excess of US$1.3 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows have been recorded, compared to US$195 million recorded in the first quarter of 2009. This FDI has gone into mining, construction and agriculture. In terms of overall economic growth, the Zambian economy is expected to close the year 2010 at GDP growth rates of 6 per cent,” she said.
“By failing to reduce the lending rates, commercial banks are making it difficult for the private sector and the household sector to borrow and participate in sustainable economic development. I know that one of the reasons cited is the poor credit culture and the riskness of the Zambian borrower. I believe that the financial sector development plan has put in place measures to improve the credit culture in this country.”
Kapwepwe said there was need for socio-economic paradigm shift among people that would seek to focus on raising per capita incomes.
“The current per capita income of US$1,422 can be increased if we all join hands to work hard and increase national household productivity and ultimately the national income. To do this, there must be a change in our work ethic and culture,” she said.
“Our people must begin to think global and consider the global implications of whatever our choices are.”
Kapwepwe said there was need for the accountancy profession to collaborate with the government in curriculum development aimed at ensuring that accountancy and corporate governance was introduced at very elementary levels of the educational curriculum.
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, COPPER, CORRUPTION, NEOCOLONIALISM
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Diversify lending portfolios, State urges banks
By Business Reporter
GOVERNMENT has challenged financial institutions to diversify into lending portfolios that will cater for the agriculture, construction, tourism, small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) sectors.
Finance and National Planning deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwe said commercial banks should focus on reducing lending rates, diversifying financing portfolio to include new productive sectors such as agriculture, construction, tourism and improve rural access to banking and financial services.
Ms Kapwepwe noted that risk premiums still remained unacceptably high and lending portfolio had been focused on narrow areas of lending despite the introduction of the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).
Speaking during the Launch of Standard Chartered Bank Priority Banking in Lusaka on Friday Evening, Ms Kapwepwe explained that the Government had put in place the CRB to reduce lending risks to banks.
She said the Government would continue to maintain its aggressive stance against inflation to combat inflationary threats to ensure that it did not erode real gains in the Zambian economy.
“The financial industry should step up their efforts to bring more economic stability and prosperity to Zambia,” she said.
The Government would continue to strengthen the financial sector through the second phase of the Financial Sector Development Plan, which centres on bringing longer term stability to the sector through the intensification of the legal framework for the financial system.
“We will continue to emphasise the creation of strong linkages between capital intensive sectors and the rest of the economy so as to enhance broad based growth,” Ms Kapwepwe said.
The move would support long term development objectives in the National vision which was to become a prosperous middle income country by the year 2030.
Ms Kapwepwe said the launch of the Standard Chartered Bank Priority banking services was a testament to the growth and improvement of the banking sector in Zambia.
Standard Chartered Bank managing director Mizinga Melu said increased economic activities had translated into a need for more access to banking services.
Ms Melu said with Priority banking the bank was differentiating itself in the market to establish a distinct competitive advantage in the premium segment of customers.
“Through Priority banking, we will provide in depth advice and tailored solutions for more complex needs, addressing different customer priority, “she said.
Ms Melu said the product offers the customer privileged and highly personalised services through dedicated relationship teams.
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, LENDING RATES, SMEs
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Lend more to construction, Kapwepwe urges banks
By Mutale Kapekele
Sun 11 July 2010, 20:00 CAT
DEPUTY finance minister Chileshe Kapwepwe has urged commercial banks to increase lending to the construction and agricultural sectors. And Standard Chartered Bank Zambia has introduced the highest debit card brand that Visa offers as part of its new Priority Banking brand.
Speaking during the unveiling of Stanchart’s new infinite debt card, Kapwepwe regretted that lending portfolios for agriculture and construction sectors had remained low. The construction sector has been the fastest-growing sector in the past 10 years, with an average annual growth of 20 per cent.
“Lending portfolios remain focused on narrow areas of lending. Lending to the agriculture and construction sectors, in particular, has been lacking,” Kapwepwe said.
“Focus should be directed on reducing lending rates, diversifying portfolios to include new productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism and construction, SMEs and in improving rural access to banking and financial services.”
She said the government was aware that lending risk still remained high for commercial banks even with the introduction of the Credit Reference Bureau.
“With the introduction of the Credit Reference Bureau, the government has put in place an institution aimed at reducing lending risk to banks. Yet risk premiums still remain unacceptably high, and lending portfolios remain focused on narrow areas of lending,” she said.
“I would like to invite the commercial banking industry to step up their efforts to bring further economic stability and prosperity to Zambia. The government will continue to do its part in strengthening the financial Sector Development Plan, which will focus on bringing longer-term stability to the sector through the strengthening of the legal framework for the financial system. Government will continue to emphasise the creation of strong linkages between capital-intensive sectors and the rest of the economy so as to enhance broad-based growth.”
Commenting on the new StanChart Priority Banking services, Kapwepwe said the new product was a testament to the growth and improvement of the banking sector in Zambia.
And StanChart Zambia managing director Mizinga Melu said the new card would enable holders to have access to international banking services in 200 centres worldwide.
She explained that the new product would also make it possible for clients to make free international money transfers, access emergency cash, anywhere in the world in additional to complementary travel insurance of up to US$ 1 million and other investment services.
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, STANCHART
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Lend more to construction, Kapwepwe urges banks
By Mutale Kapekele
Sun 11 July 2010, 20:00 CAT
DEPUTY finance minister Chileshe Kapwepwe has urged commercial banks to increase lending to the construction and agricultural sectors. And Standard Chartered Bank Zambia has introduced the highest debit card brand that Visa offers as part of its new Priority Banking brand.
Speaking during the unveiling of Stanchart’s new infinite debt card, Kapwepwe regretted that lending portfolios for agriculture and construction sectors had remained low. The construction sector has been the fastest-growing sector in the past 10 years, with an average annual growth of 20 per cent.
“Lending portfolios remain focused on narrow areas of lending. Lending to the agriculture and construction sectors, in particular, has been lacking,” Kapwepwe said.
“Focus should be directed on reducing lending rates, diversifying portfolios to include new productive sectors such as agriculture, tourism and construction, SMEs and in improving rural access to banking and financial services.”
She said the government was aware that lending risk still remained high for commercial banks even with the introduction of the Credit Reference Bureau.
“With the introduction of the Credit Reference Bureau, the government has put in place an institution aimed at reducing lending risk to banks. Yet risk premiums still remain unacceptably high, and lending portfolios remain focused on narrow areas of lending,” she said.
“I would like to invite the commercial banking industry to step up their efforts to bring further economic stability and prosperity to Zambia. The government will continue to do its part in strengthening the financial Sector Development Plan, which will focus on bringing longer-term stability to the sector through the strengthening of the legal framework for the financial system. Government will continue to emphasise the creation of strong linkages between capital-intensive sectors and the rest of the economy so as to enhance broad-based growth.”
Commenting on the new StanChart Priority Banking services, Kapwepwe said the new product was a testament to the growth and improvement of the banking sector in Zambia.
And StanChart Zambia managing director Mizinga Melu said the new card would enable holders to have access to international banking services in 200 centres worldwide.
She explained that the new product would also make it possible for clients to make free international money transfers, access emergency cash, anywhere in the world in additional to complementary travel insurance of up to US$ 1 million and other investment services.
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, STANCHART
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Women are better at servicing financial obligations – Kapwepwe
By Joseph Mwenda
Tue 09 Mar. 2010, 04:20 CAT
FINANCE deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwe has said women are better at servicing their financial obligations than men despite having less access to financial service products.
During the Bank of Zambia (BoZ) Women Entrepreneurs Awards on Sunday evening at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Kapwepwe noted that only 11.6 per cent of Zambian women had access to financial services through banks.
“Access to finance is a particular issue for women entrepreneurs at all stages of business development, in spite of the good record that women are much better than men in servicing their financial obligations,” she said.
Kapwepwe said studies conducted under the financial sector development plan (FSDP) indicated that levels of access to financial services remained low.
“Only one third of Zambia’s adult population was reported to have access to financial services or products while only 11.6 per cent of women were banked compared to 17.5 per cent of banked men,” she said.
She challenged banks and financial institutions to play their role in order to facilitate growth of businesses, which she said were largely dependant on loan facilities.
“Facilitating equitable and easy access to finance is key to unlocking the entrepreneurial potential amongst our women. No nation can expect to succeed in the global economy of the 21st Century if half of its people lack the opportunity and the right to make the most of the God-given potential,” said Kapwepwe.
About 15 financial institutions awarded women entrepreneurs for their outstanding performances in their various businesses.
Among the outstanding recipients was a former Zambia Airways airhostess Chiboshi Amusaa who was awarded by Madison Premier finance for having successfully opened business houses across the country despite having been unemployed since the demise of the government-owned airline.
Barclays Bank awarded Charity Chilatu for managing to borrow and repay her loans on time, Standard Chartered Bank awarded Mannase Zulu for being the youngest entrepreneur and Mariah Nkonde for being a marketeer for 20 years.
Mariah has enrolled in grade eight and Standard Chartered Bank would give her a loan to expand her business. Development Bank of Zambia awarded Veronica Rider for establishing Kansanshi Hotel in Solwezi while Pan African Building Society awarded Joyce Chileshe for having dealt with the bank for a long time.
FINCA Zambia, First Alliance Bank, CETZAM, Zanaco, Banc ABC, Microbankers Trust, Indo Zambia Bank and First National Bank also awarded various deserving entreprenuers.
Labels: BANKING, CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, WOMEN
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Govt considers pumping more money into ZRA
By Kabanda Chulu
Sat 07 Nov. 2009, 04:01 CAT
FINANCE minister Situmbeko Musokotwane on Thursday told parliament that government is considering allocating 2.5 per cent of revenue collected to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in order to enhance its operations.
And Dr Musokotwane raised a motion to present three bills namely, the income tax amendment bill, customs and excise duty amendment bill and value added tax amendment bill, in order to be in line with changes announced in the 2010 budget.
Responding to Bweengwa member of parliament Highvie Hamududu who asked whether government was considering other funding models for ZRA to enable it perform better, Dr Musokotwane said the government was considering the proposals.
“We know the importance of increased funding for revenue collection and this is why this matter is under consideration to see how it will work,” he said.
And responding to a question by Livingstone Central member of parliament Sakwiba Sikota who asked what measures were being put in place to improve infrastructure at border posts, Dr Musokotwane said new structures had been built at Chirundu and Katima Mulilo border posts and that government would soon advertise for bids for the development of structures at other border posts around the country.
And Hamududu asked how much money was released for the operations of the ZRA from 2005 to date and what major constraints ZRA had been facing in carrying out its mandate effectively.
In response, finance deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwe said in 2005, ZRA was given K127 billion, another K127 billion in 2006; K197 billion in 2007 and K210 billion in 2008 while K168.2 billion has been released so far out of the K205 billion budgeted for in 2009.
“The treasury has been consistent with funding ZRA and the key operational challenges for the institution are lack of infrastructure in new border facilities where cross border trading activities have increased and the need for adequate investment in human capital development to equip staff to competently audit multinational corporations such as the mines,” said Kapwepwe.
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, HIGHVIE HAMUDUDU, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE, ZRA
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‘Road works lack supervision’
By Times Reporter
THE Government is not getting value for money on road projects because of the continued shoddy works mainly due to lack of supervision, Deputy Finance and National Planning Minister, Chileshe Kapwepwe has said.
Ms Kapwepwe has challenged stakeholders in the sector to be professional and work together in supporting Government’s efforts in improving communication through a quality road network.
She said this at a joint donor forum at Chaminuka Lodge in Lusaka at the weekend.
She said the Government was committed to improving the road network as evidenced by the sufficient allocation of money to the sector and the acquisition of road-making equipment, which had been distributed to all the provinces.
“The Government, and particularly my ministry, is very concerned with the poor workmanship by some contractors partly due to poor supervision.
“This is clear evidence that the Government is not receiving value for money. I must emphasise here that quality supervision of works is a critical element in ensuring the attainment of a good quality road network,” she said.
Ms Kapwepwe called upon stakeholders including road agencies, contractors, and consultants to exhibit professionalism and work together in harmony.
She said a quality road network was cardinal to national development, hence the need to ensure that roads were worked on properly.
“In terms of support to the road sector, the Government remains committed to providing more resources in the medium to long-term so that the intended objective of improving the country’s road network is attained,” she said.
She noted that the implementation of the US$1.6 billion Roadsip II was now halfway in terms of the implementation period.
In terms of challenges, Ms Kapwepwe said funding had remained critical, hence the need for stakeholders to utilise the resources prudently and prioritise implementation of projects.
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, CONTRACTORS, INFRASTRUCTURE, ROADS
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Govt releases K440bn for infrastructure
Written by Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Monday, April 27, 2009 3:09:31 PM
GOVERNMENT has released about K440.8 billion out of the K1. 781 trillion budgeted for capital expenditure towards infrastructure development and rehabilitation programmes in the 2009 budget.
And finance deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwe has called for prudence in the utilisation of resources allocated for road works, saying the current global financial crisis has aggravated the government’s ability to fund the sector as revenue falls.
In a statement released by Ministry of Finance spokesperson Chileshe Kandeta yesterday, the Ministry of Works and Supply has received the largest share at K165.2 billion for use towards road maintenance activities by the Road Development Agency (RDA).
Kandenta stated that K6 billion had been released for construction of new office blocks in Lusaka and Chongwe and an additional K6 billion for boarder facilities at Katimamulilo, of which K2 billion is for construction of houses and K4 billion for other boarder infrastructure.
Other allocations included K7.6 billion towards the completion of remaining works at Chirundu border, in line with the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) goal of having well-developed and properly maintained quality infrastructure for sustainable national development by 2030.
“Government has, among other resources, so far released K440.8 billion for capital expenditure towards infrastructure development and rehabilitation programmes approved by Parliament as part of the 2009 budget. The release of K440.8 billion represents 24.7 per cent release out of the K1. 781 trillion total capital expenditure budget planned for 2009,” stated Kandenta. “The release of 24.7 per cent of infrastructure funds for 2009 is clearly consistent with our fiscal policy focus for 2009 which is geared towards increasing expenditure on infrastructure and social services. It is also in line with the government’s objectives of encouraging diversification and enhancing competitiveness.”
And Kapwepwe last week told a joint government and donor forum that was reviewing the implementation of the Road Sector Investment Programme (ROADSIP) II at Chaminuka Lodge that there was need for prudence and prioritisation in the allocation of resources as the government’s revenue base narrowed.
Kapwepwe said funding to meet the needs of road sector remained the biggest challenge for the government.
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, INFRASTRUCTURE
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Govt seeks to cushion Zambians from global economic crisis
Written by Chibaula Silwamba in Mungwi
Sunday, January 11, 2009 9:25:11 AM
FINANCE and national planning deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwe has assured that this year's national budget will try to find ways of cushioning the impact of the global economic crisis on Zambia.
In an interview on Wednesday, Kapwepwe said her ministry was finalising the budget and it would be presented this month-end.
"We are scheduled to present the budget on the last Friday of January as per normal and we are on course for that," Kapwepwe said. "The budget is being prepared in the backdrop of an economic global crisis that is affecting us but more than that, I can't comment. We are still compiling the figures."
Asked whether the government would maintain the taxes on mining companies such as the windfall taxes, Kapwepwe declined to comment.
Some Zambians have observed that some mining companies were laying off workers so that they compel the government to scrap off the windfall taxes, which they have been opposed to since they were effected last year.
Labels: 2009 BUDGET, CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, GREAT DEPRESSION II, WINDFALL TAX
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‘Erratic budget execution hinders development’
Written by Mwiinga Mukuwa
Monday, January 05, 2009 5:06:50 AM
FINANCE deputy minister Chileshe Kapwepwehas said Zambia’s quest for deeper development is being hampered by the erratic budget execution resulting from poor absorption capacity, lack of proper procurement and supplies planning.
Officiating at the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) fundraising dinner on Friday, Kapwepwe (left) said the increased absorption capacity of line ministries in relation to capital expenditure was of utmost priority during the medium term.
“In this regard, government will engage in capacity building measures to enhance programme implementation in all the ministries, provinces and spending agencies,” Kapwepwe said.
Kapwepwe further said the government was working towards rationalising tendering processes.
“Through the reform of the public procurement Act, streamlining and enhancing the structure and functions of the Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB),” she said.
Kapwepwe said ZNTB would evolve into a supervisory entity while the formal tendering process would be devolved to implementing agencies.
“We all have to be committed in terms of good governance in the performance of the procurement and supplies function. Unless this is done, our organisation will find it difficult to deliver growth and expansion needed for Zambia to attain the Vision 2030,” she said.
She said the government would continue to put the private sector at the centre of development to promote expansion in the production of goods and services for sustainable growth and development.
“We hear of various allegations of corruption in government procurement processes and the reality is that there is equally some prevalence of the vice in the private sector as transactions take place between government agencies and the private sector,” she said.
Kapwepwe said there was need for collective efforts from all stakeholders involved in the procurement process to curb corruption.
“It is disturbing to note the poor quality of works executed by the private sector on capital projects funded by government which are examples of failure to abide by sound corporate governance,” Kapwepwe said.
“It’s also disheartening to see the number of road works, construction of clinics and hospitals in many parts of the country that have remained unfinished because of poor workmanship by the private sector.”
Kapwepwe stressed that most of those failures could be traced to questionable procurement procedures.
“It’s imperative that your institution [ZIPS] exerts maximum efforts to curb these practices which are detrimental to the development of our country,” she said.
And Kapwepwe said prudent management and cost-effective expenditure of government resources should be cardinal in view of the current global financial meltdown.
Labels: BUDGET, CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, GOVERNANCE, PROCUREMENT SYSTEMS
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Shoddy by private sector worries Govt
January 4, 2009
GOVERNMENT is worried about poor workmanship by private sector institutions contracted to implement State-funded capital projects.
Ministry of Finance and National Planning deputy minister, Chileshe Kapwepwe, said in Lusaka that the poor quality of some works executed by the private sector on capital projects funded by Government was disturbing.
“It is disheartening to see that a number of road works and construction of clinics and schools in many parts of the country remain unfinished because of poor workmanship by the private sector,” she said.
She said this on Friday night at a Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) fundraising function.
She said the erratic execution of the budget hampered development and that most failures in Government and the private sector could be because of questionable procurement practices.
Ms Kapwepwe said against the backdrop of current global financial meltdown, prudent management and cost-effective expenditures of Government resources was cardinal.
She said Government’s goal in the medium-term was to accelerate diversification of the economy with emphasis on agriculture, tourism and manufacturing - all of which are expected to significantly contribute to poverty-reduction and sustainable economic growth.
Ms Kapwepwe said the Government was working towards rationalising the tender process through the reform of the Public Procurement Act, streamlining and enhancing the structure of Zambia National Tender Board (ZNTB).
She said the ZNTB would evolve into a supervisory entity.
“Unless this is done, our organisations will find it difficult to deliver growth and expansion goals needed for Zambia to attain the Vision 2030,” she said.
She said Government was committed to good governance in procurement and supplies.
Ms Kapwepwe said Government would continue to put the private sector at the centre of the development process so that there is expansion in production of goods and services for sustained development and growth that would benefit all sections of society.
She appealed to ZIPS members to take the challenge and make a difference by providing better management of the procurement process in both public and private sectors.
“Please bear this in mind as you implement procurement and supplies decisions in your organisations,” she said.
Speaking earlier, ZIPS acting president, Jones Kalyongwe, said ignorance was generally the cause for failure to adhere to procurement procedures.
“Some people don’t know what to do. This is the more reason industries should employ qualified staff to carry out the procurement responsibilities,” he said.
Mr Kalyongwe said he hoped that the Ministry of Finance and National Planning would involve ZIPS in the implementation of projects this year.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Labels: CHILESHE KAPWEPWE, CONTRACTORS, ZIPS
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