By HELEN ZULU –
ALL procurement and supply professionals in Zambia should remain firm in their work and ensure transparent and corrupt free environment to guarantee value for money, the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) has said.
ZIPS president Chibwe Mwelwa said the continued relevance and nobility of the work the procurement and supply professionals do is premised on their continued adherence to their core values of integrity, probity and service.
Mr Mwelwa warned all erring members of the profession who were engaging themselves in fraud and corrupt practices that the institute would not protect any of them.
He said this in his speech during the 9th ZIPS annual general meeting.
“We further warn that any government wing or private entities that unduly interfere with the procurement process or allow the procurement function to be undertaken by unlicensed personnel will be taken to task in line with provisions and dictates of ZIPS Act.
“We stand ready to cooperate with law enforcers in helping to curb the prevalence of fraud and corruption cases in the Procurement Process,” he said.
He advised all employing entities to report any suspected corrupt purchasing and supply officer to the institute.
Mr Mwelwa said the country still had a huge challenge in most of the mining companies in Zambia, that most of the senior members of supply chain were not procurement and supply professionals.
“The institute will not rest and until this trend is reversed. The blatant violation, by some mining houses, of the Zambian laws, particularly as it relates to the employment of trained professionals leaves a lot to be desired.
Mr Mwelwa advised the mining companies and other privately owned companies on the Copperbelt, who were breaking the law with impunity to immediately stop and replace all individuals working in purchasing and supply function with qualified and certified people.
He said the institute had given a deadline of March, 2018 to ensure the the provisions of the ZIPS Act were adhered to saying it was very clear that profitability of the mines is squarely hinged on the shoulders of the members.