By JAMES KUNDA –
THE Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) has suspended Mango Tree Construction Company Limited of Lusaka from participating in the public procurement process for a period of one year.
ZPPA director general Chibelushi  Musongole, however, said the move did not entail that the firm is limited from performing outstanding contracts entered into prior to the suspension.
Dr Musongole said this in a circular dated October 14, 2015, issued to controlling officers, Permanent secretaries and chief executives of parastatal and statutory bodies.
Town Clerks and Council secretaries were notified about the development which included any entity which employed or was associated with any partner and directors of the construction company.
“In exercise of the powers vested in the Authority in Sections 65 and 66 of the Public Procurement Act number 12 of 2008, the Authority would like to advise that, Mango Tree Construction Company Limited, situated at Sub 3 of Sub E of farm 609 Chudleigh, Lusaka and the successors of interest, have been suspended from participating in public procurement in Zambia for a period of one year with effect from the date of this circular,” Dr Musongole said in circular number seven of 2015.
Dr Musongole advised the recipients of the notice not to issue solicited documents or invite any bids from the construction company.
“Do not enter into any dealings or communication with Mango Tree Construction, except in respect of existing contracts placed prior to this suspension.
“Procuring entities shall not enter into any new contracts with Mango Tree Construction after the date of this notice and during the period of the suspension,” he added.