A former procurement officer at the Chipata City Council has made shocking allegations against top officials, accusing them of attempting to manipulate a procurement process in exchange for kickbacks.
The claims were made during a trial before the Economic and Financial Crimes Court in Chipata, which is investigating the purchase of heavy machinery valued at over K3.5 million. The state witness, Cecilia Phiri, revealed that Town Clerk Aaron Kamalondo and Head of Procurement Harriet Kamchungu Mwape were allegedly involved in the scheme.
Phiri testified that the officials sought to have CAMCO Company Limited awarded the contract through a simplified bidding process, bypassing the normal evaluation procedures. She discovered irregularities in the procurement process on June 27, 2022, when she found a green folder containing quotations from Delta Auto and CAMCO on her desk.
Despite raising concerns about the alleged manipulation, Phiri was pressured by the Town Clerk to proceed with the evaluation. She expressed her concerns about undermining the purpose of forming an evaluation committee but was met with resistance.
The trial continues as the prosecution presents evidence to support the allegations against the accused officials. If found guilty, they could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in public procurement processes. It is crucial to ensure that public funds are used effectively and efficiently, without undue influence or corruption
By Samuel Khwawe