Govt tightens screws on state procurement processes
Government has announced new regulation that will institute administrative penalties against public entities and individuals who are abusing the procurement processes.
This comes after Cabinet on Tuesday adopted the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (Compliance, Monitoring and Evaluation) Regulations of 2022, and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (General) (Amendment) Regulations of 2022.
“Cabinet highlights that the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Regulations will institute administrative penalties against public entities and individuals who are abusing the relevant procurement processes,” Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa told the media in a post Cabinet briefing.
“This will combat any breaches by public officials, especially corruption, malpractices and non-compliance with regulations.”
The regulations relate to mandatory reports that need to be produced by procuring entities, their frequency and penalties for non-compliance.
The regulations also relate to procurement operations by the Procurement and Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) to ensure that procuring entities comply with the provisions of the Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.
“Cabinet notes that the new policy changes in the country’s currency regime to mitigate inflationary and exchange rate pressures have necessitated the review of procurement regulations,” Mutsvangwa said.
“The amendments will peg fees in foreign currency for both local and international bidders, with local bidders being allowed to pay in local currency at the prevailing official exchange rate, should they elect to do so.
“The proposed regulations will go a long way in enhancing the integrity of public procurement and ensure that public procurement is conducted in a transparent, fair, honest, cost-effective and competitive manner and in compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.”
