Roan PF Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili has called for the arrest of all those involved in the controversial procurement of 42 fire trucks.
Mr Kambwili described the purchase of the 42 fire trucks at US$ 42 million as day light corruption.
He said the Minister of Local Government and Housing and his Permanent Secretary must be arrested for what he called as the corrupt purchase of the fire trucks.
Mr Kambwili said the fire trucks which were districted to selected districts last week were grossly inflated by the supplier.
[pullquote]Where on earth have you seen one fire truck costing 1 million dollars? And it is amazing that the Zambians people have kept quiet about this scandal.[/pullquote]
He alleged that he has received quotations from the supplier of the same fire trucks in South Africa which puts each fire truck at US$158,000 dollars.
“Where on earth have you seen one fire truck costing 1 million dollars? And it is amazing that the Zambians people have kept quiet about this scandal. I have the same quotation from the supplier in South Africa, those trucks cost US$ 158,000 dollars each and not US$ 1 million dollars. This is corruption of the worst kind,” Mr Kambwili said.
Mr Kambwili said there is no way one fire engine could cost a million dollars when the world’s most expensive vehicle costs around 952,000 dollars.
“Those are just basic fire engines and cannot cost that much, everyone involved in that tender must be investigated, arrested and prosecuted,” Mr Kambwili demanded.
But Local Government and Housing Minister Vincent Mwale said he will only issue a comprehensive statement in Parliament once all the details are gathered.
“I can’t be giving piecemeal statements to every Journalists who calls me about this issue. Just give me time to compile all the details and then I will issue a statement in Parliament soon,” Mr Mwale said in an interview.
Meanwhile, Copperbelt University Lecturer Lubinda Haabazoka says there seems to be a lack of expertise in the country’s tendering process or the people involved have completely forgotten whose interests they represent.
[pullquote]There is no way you can increase our pay as you earn to 37.5% and then buy fire tenders for $1m each[/pullquote]
“There is no way you can increase our pay as you earn to 37.5% and then buy fire tenders for $1m each. People should not forget we have been asked to sacrifice a lot but government seems not to live on that principle,” Dr Haabazoka said.
“What is shocking is that this deal will not be questioned by government but we shall see various officials coming out justify such a deal. Even if there was no stealing, you cannot approve very expensive machinery when there is alternative cheap machinery,” he said.
“Logic always beats me when I hear we shall spend $370m on building a terminal at Lusaka international airport. We spent as reported by ZNBC in January 2015 $30 million on drawings for Lusaka international airport!!! New state house will cost $20million dollars. How can drawings cost more than state house?” he questioned.
He added, “I know there are a lot of uneducated people in Zambia but people should not forget that some of us are educated and are able to verify figures looking at similar projects and using other property valuation methods.”
“I heard the president’s speech to parliament on Friday and was very impressed with his agenda on infrastructure, e-governance and a lot of other issues. The main point that impressed me was his saying that we couldn’t develop using old methods and that is very true.”
“However ambitious the president’s plans are, they will come to Zambia at a great cost if we keep our current tendering process where a km of a road costs $3m. I think government is being looted though overpaying,” he charged.
Dr Haabazoka said, “I think if government ordered bread, they will end up paying K50 for a loaf. We need public accountability for all projects.”
“How do people feel moving on the streets looking at other poor citizens after overcharging government? New measures should be put in place”
Dr Haabazoka suggested that all government tenders should be suspended until the country comes up with a new effective system.
Kambwili according to the reports, this was entered in in 2013 when you were still in government and like what we’ve been asking is why you kept quiet. Only a demented person can believe your ranting. It’s only a crime if you have no share, is it?
For Khakis, it makes sense for Edgar Lungu and friends to have spent $1 million for fire tender…when the most expensive model a Mercedes cost $250 000. Whether Kambwil should have said earlier or not is not an issue. The issue is that blatant corruption is right before our eyes. How much medicines would this have bought? How many bursaries for university students
Jail these swines! They are not stealing money that we have, they have BORROWED kaloba just so they can steal it! This is OUR CHILDRENS FUTURE they have stolen. They have sold the next generation of Zambians into slavery just so they can enjoy their 30 pieces of silver!
Let them ROT IN JAIL FOREVER!
Like the guy annoyed me by saying you need a $60,000 water tanker, with hose pipe for Mogadishu markets. I told him its Senama market. He pointed at one they use in forests fires.
shure ba kambwili balefwaya ukumoneka abamano kanshi tabakwata mano.
THE CIRCUS POLITICIANS PLAY
======================
Shameless Chameleon.
Tell us more. You have a lot of scores to settle, bring it on. The case will surely be prosecuted, so present the facts. Open that Pandora Box. I expect more from you. Pull your former colleagues down. Come on. This bird of feathers like them is amazing.
Fuseke necklace, you were part of the process!
Your problem is that you see the world with soiled glasses. No one is supporting any wrong doing. You love Kambwili just because he’s crossed over to you. Let me tell you what happened to an employee. He was fond of reporting other people whenever he was left out of a deal until a trap was set for him. If this happened, then Kambwili is even more guilty than other people involved because he saw a wrong and opted to look the other way.
IF THESE GUYS WANT MORE FIRE TENDERS FOR ZAMBIA FIRE SERVICES I HAVE A SOURCE. ONE THING FOR SURE IS THAT THEY WILL COST LESS THAN @ $1M. THIS IS NOT A HOAX. I COULD SAVE THE COUNTRY MONEY. YOU NEED TO TAKE THESE OVER-PRICED AND ILLEGALLY SOURCED FIRE TENDERS EVEN IF THEY CAN EXTINGUISH FIRE IN HELL UNLESS ECL IS TAKING THEM TO HELL WITH HIM TO BE EXTINGUISHING FIRES AROUND HIM, HEY!
Hon. Kambwili as a parliamentarian given the mandate by the people we are requesting that you and other sensible thinking parliamentarians can start the impeachment process for all those involved in this corrupt vice. Once successful, let it extend to other ministries that are reeking of corrupt activities. This Hon. Kambwili is how best you can serve the people of Zambia. We have read and typed enough about corruption in the current govt, but it is time the law makers started impeaching fellow law makers that are involved in these vices.
Its not true that Zambians are not educated they are. The only problem is dictatorship which has emerged in this regime. Media houses and individuals have been harassed since the inception of PF and no balanced media coverage has been conducted. This has left out most people uninformed and it has been an opportunity to root by these mafia after silencing media houses.
loot
Let Kambwili give us the specifications because without them we are merely wasting our time talking about this issue. Specifications first, then I will comment.
THESE ARE THE PRODUCTS OF RIGGING, NOTHING GOOD CAME FROM RIGGING. IT WAS THE “LAUNCH” OF, IF NOT MISTAKEN THE MOTHER ALL CORRUPTION OLYMPICS. NOW WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?
I AM NOT A FAN OF KAMBWILI, BUT ON THIS ISSUE, YES WHOEVER WAS INVOLVED IN THIS SHAMELESS SCANDAL MUST BE ARRESTED AND PROSECUTED. THOSE FIRE ENGINES ARE THE MOST BASIC ONES AND THEY CAN NEVER COST EVEN A QUARTER OF A MILLION. UBUPUPU PA ZAMBIA HAS JUST GONE, TOO FAR BY THE AUTHORITIES WHO SHOULD BE PROTECTING PUBLIC INTEREST.
One thing is true here, if there was no corruption involved in the purchase of these fire tenders here it means government was ripped off with its eyes wide open. But also remember, Zambia is a one week cry country. After one week all this hullabaloo on fire tenders will just go quiet.
Tell us MR CK. We want to know.
Does your Kambwili know what a Bugati Veyron costs – ati “the world’s most expensive vehicle costs around 952,000 dollars”? When giving examples, have facts. I am not saying that this procurement does not need scrutiny and people held accountable.
This is the docility of Zambians I always talk about right here…when this story was first published everyone including MPs were quite. I remember stating that a well equipped Fire Engine with hydraulic cutting machinery should not cost more that half a million.
Now this week when you see the trucks and funds cleared you complain…Tanzania has made inroads to stamp out corruption. We have this utterly lazy moron with his whole team enjoying himself in NY without a care in the world.
Kambwili, this deal was agreed when you were the chief spokesperson of government. just shut up. You are the chief thief yourself.
What a pathetic excuse to condone and accept ongoing corruption and looting….
We do not care about your F.uckin’ Kambwili. That is for you PF who are concerned with ensuring that he does not get support. We are concerned about our hard earned money taken by ZRA from the peanuts you pay us and which you are abusing and stealing from us to add to the mountains you pay yourselves. The Fire Engines are no more than US$150,00 each, totalling no more than US$6.3 Million dollars for 42 engines. The balance of US$35 million is lining your pockets, while we starve. And you are talking about Kambwili. You must think we are imbeciles!!!! I am sure your Vuvuzela Nation Newspaper will be writing editorials justifying this theft.
Oh yes we need Kambwili to tell the opposition how they rigged elections
tip of the iceberg…. monkeys are in the maize field .
Please go to PACRA and find out who the directors are, and here is the address;
GrandView International Limited
Reliance House
Plot No 35374
Thabo Mbeki Road
P.O. Box 30846
Lusaka, Zambia
Tel: 211 -254914
And do what with that address ?, no one will be found or no one will know anything…..
I spent 55 minutes at local fire station. The guy told me in Dubai or New York City or Kilimanjaro can cost a million. But not Mogadishu.
I corrected him 5 times, that’s its Lusaka or Mansa. He said it again, I ended up with Livingston. He said Victoria Falls needs a million dollar, down ladder, not Mogadishu market.
You must have been all drunk talking nonesense…a fire engine can not do nothing about a fire in a high rise building above 6 stories. ..look at that high rise building without sprinklers in London where they were over 40 trucks.. they had to go inside with hoses.
Harrisburg spent nearly $1 million on a fire truck. Here’s why
Updated on Dec 03, 2015 at 10:45 AM EST
This aerial view shows the size of Harrisburg’s newest apparatus. Despite its size, the vehicle has better maneuverability because of the driver who sits at the back end. This aerial view shows the size of Harrisburg’s newest apparatus. Despite its size, the vehicle has better maneuverability because of the driver who sits at the back end.
Harrisburg’s newest fire apparatus is a tractor-drawn aerial truck that requires two drivers: one in front and one in the back. (Photo by Brian Enterline) Harrisburg’s newest fire apparatus is a tractor-drawn aerial truck that requires two drivers: one in front and one in the back.
HARRISBURG- If Harrisburg firefighters are called to a…
The Harrisburg Fire Department recently bought a new ladder truck for $932,523 to address those tight situations and more. The city took possession of the new tractor-drawn aerial last month and unveiled it to the public Nov. 21 with Santa on board during the Holiday Parade.
The city hasn’t owned a tractor-drawn aerial for 35 years. The city paid for the truck through a county gaming grant ($466,998) and the Harrisburg Volunteer Fireman’s Relief Association ($465,525.) The association is financed through a tax paid by fire insurance companies.
The truck provides the city with its first 100-foot tall ladder and offers other distinct advantages that give firefighters more options during emergencies, said Fire Chief Brian Enterline.
Although the truck is longer than other trucks…
Although the truck is longer than other trucks in the city’s fleet, the new vehicle weighs less, has two fewer tires and can fit into tighter spaces because of its smaller “jack spread,” which measures the width of a truck with its stabilizers deployed.
The truck can navigate tight intersections quickly with two drivers, including one who sits in a rear compartment and controls the back end.
The roomier truck can hold more salvage equipment, Enterline said, which will allow firefighters to protect homes faster with quick access to tarps and wet vacuums. Before, that equipment was stored in a trailer.
The truck can reach higher places with its longer ladder, but firefighters still won’t be able to use it to reach the tops of many of the city’s high rises. Manufacturers don’t…
Many fire departments in recent decades abandoned tractor-drawn aerial trucks to save manpower because they require two drivers. Departments instead favored toward tower trucks, which were smaller.
But now many departments are going back to the aerial vehicles, Enterline said, because tower trucks are increasing in size and the aerials have superior maneuverability on city streets.
A new aerial truck also costs less than a new tower truck, he said.
The cost and size of fire trucks have increased dramatically in recent years to comply with safety and emission standards, Enterline said.
The department did not include a lot of “bells and whistles” on the new truck to save money. The truck, for example, doesn’t have hubcaps.
“They would just fall off and cost money to…
Viva data
Now we have a more formidable opposition with Kambwili back on the opposing side! Welcome back to the real world bwana Kambwili. Punch for Punch! This is it.
it’s really disheartening.The awarding of 42 Fire Tenders to a company that doesn’t manufacturer the Fire Trucks makes my heart bleed.The highly rated worldwide manufacturers of Fire Tenders participated in the bidding at lower prices, but the procurement team opted to go for a third party company that doesn’t even have knowledge about Fire Trucks.This is how they featured:
ONB No.MLGH/G/4/15 – PROCUREMENT OF 42 FIRE TENDERS
No. BIDDER BID PRICE
1 SINO UNIZAM USD.9,870,300.00
2 SAVENDA MGT SERVICES LTD USD.19,919,781.00
3 ALBION EXPORT SERVICES LTD USD.49,560,000.00
4 VISHA SUPPLIER ZMK.38,411,963.94
5 BUK TRUCK PARTS EUR.14,052,444.00
6 HAB INTERNATIONAL EUR.12,799,500.00
7 IVECO S.A PTY LTD USD.23,499,000.00
8 NAFFCO USD.14,948,200.00
9 ICONIC EUR.12,726,000.00
10…
very sad readings indeed.
ONB No.MLGH/G/4/15 – PROCUREMENT OF 42 FIRE TENDERS
No. BIDDER BID PRICE
1 SINO UNIZAM USD.9,870,300.00
2 SAVENDA MGT SERVICES LTD USD.19,919,781.00
3 ALBION EXPORT SERVICES LTD USD.49,560,000.00
4 VISHA SUPPLIER ZMK.38,411,963.94
5 BUK TRUCK PARTS EUR.14,052,444.00
6 HAB INTERNATIONAL EUR.12,799,500.00
7 IVECO S.A PTY LTD USD.23,499,000.00
8 NAFFCO USD.14,948,200.00
9 ICONIC EUR.12,726,000.00
10 HANDYMANS PARADISE EUR.21,630,546.00
11 AUTO CARE LTD USD.6,333,600.00
12 AUTO MART LTD EUR.18,318,720.00
13 EN3.CO. LTD USD.13,986,000.00
14 ZIEGLER GMBH EUR.14,695,800.00
15 FIRE RAIDERS PTY LTD EUR.18,624,912.60
16 GRAND VIEW INTERNATIONAL USD.42,000,000.00
A lot of the companies that participated in this fishy tender logged in some complaints to ZPPA, but nothing…
All these companies are third party that’s how it’s done
Ndanje Khakis is not a patriotic Zambian. It seems he is a relative to some of the people involved in this corruption saga. Yes, Kambwili was a minister then, but he was not the head of the state who can change the way the govt operates. You can not bite the fingure that feeds you and the reason he is telling us is that there is rampant corruption in PF government. No wonder the critical paper- The Post was squizzed by Edgar Lungu so that they continue stealling without proper checks and balance. Mines, parastals, were owing huge sums of money to ZRA than The Post but were never liquidated. And we continue saying ECL is humble especially the Pentecost assembly bishops. Bring back The Post !!
Sorry I’m more patriotic than most of who just jump at any perceived scandal announced by a disgraced person. Get it from me a person who reveals secrets because you’ve left him cannot be trusted. What has Kambwili added to this information other than barking at the moon like a castrated canine? Let him come out and tell us why he kept quiet all this time. In short if he wasn’t fired he was going to take this little “secret ” with him to the grave.
Ndanje
Have you not heard of people being convicted and sent to prison on account of accomplices turned state witness ??
The fact of the matter is there seems to be corruption going on and the source of the information is not an issue.. ..
Spaka, hope you’re saying these from the most honest part of your heart not from spite.
It pains me, first it was the Lusaka/Ndola due road saga, now fire fighters. I THINK ACC SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.
Hazida Motors are the official Scania Truck Dealers in Zambia. Can they please comment and gives us a breakdown of how much these trucks cost and why a third party who is not a duly appointed dealer was allowed to supply these trucks in their territorial distribution area. Or is Hazida just claiming this current Scania Dealer status? We also need it as we speak.
Kambwili is beginning to sound demented. it’s very sad. the man is going mad
We need to kick out these looters sooner rather later. 2021 is too far. If the Ministers involved in these scandals can not resign, then Edgar himself should resign and dissolve government so that we can start afresh with new elections. Wina azalila! something has to give!!
Also arrest all those behind the Lusaka – Ndola dual nonsense! It’s time Zambians wake up and stop this thuggery!
It is about transparency, everyone is welcome to investigate all manner of corruption in the nation , as it all melts down to retrogression of development.
The person who suffers most is the common Zambian, you can evidently see the disparities in wealth in the nation where only a few corrupt leaders are living in comfort while majority population are in extreme poverty.
Zambia is poor because of few corrupt politicians are abusing their offices .
13 Kid forget about The Post this is a different story stick to the topic at hand. Have ever head the Mines, parastals etc. taking ZRA to Court? What about the post? As for the topic at hand do not look at the small amounts of the other tenderer the purchaser had stipulated their requirements of what type of goods they wanted including other rules they never wanted a cheap fire tender which can only last a month and they start repairing as I said before cheap is expensive. You Zambians will be the first to complain no matter how cheap those vehicles costed.
If for argument’s sake a fire engine was bought at $5,000 how strong or well equipped would it be. Personally I can neither support or criticize until I get the facts that put the price at whatever. Jumping at any allegation made even by discarded garbage who not a long time ago were very much of the so called looters is just a waste of breath.
@Ndanje Khakis, You must be part of the cartel that has swindled our country the US$42 million. You must be the only rat in Jerusalem who would not recognise daylight robbery even if it bit your balls off. Ati jumping to conclusions!!!. Where do you want us to jump. We have already been pushed into a bottomless pit, you mo.ron – and they are laughing all the way to the bank.
Every concerned Zambian should be talking about this. Where are the NGOs, prominent Zambians, opposition parties, Student Unions, Churches, etc. We should be all putting pressure on the government to explain themselves. I also agree with another blogger who suggested that the ACC should be abolished. It is currently serving no purpose.
Kanyama you want to kick out these looters sooner than later even the ones who will come will be the same. Fellow Zambians stop looking at what one has but think of how you can also have a better and comfortable life.
Stealing and looting GRZ money it seems……
At the height of the war against the one party state, one Michael Sata told the Weekly Post that Panji Kaunda had hidden AK 47s at Sonda Misale and we all said “chi Sata chachabe. Chalishiba information yonse ” but when he asked to accompany the security officers to go and show them where these guns were he disappeared. We didn’t criticize him because any shot at KK was most welcome no matter how fictitious it was.
What you have pointed out does not make sense. Sata’s rantings at that time had no backing by evidence. Those fire Tenders are very visible and have the paper work to back them. On this one CK is okay. He may not be clean himself, but atleast bayamba kuziulula.
You’re missing my point. …yes they may be real but Kambwili is not real. He’s simply playing on your minds.
And you made this liar your president?
I have no comment on this issue!! $42 million for 42 fire tenders??? The retirees is languishing without his or her hard worked for money…..mmmmmmm it is amazing kweena……and when i calculate in Zambian Kwacha, i just wonder how many retirees could have been paid before they wait till they die waiting for their monies
If it is true that these fire Tenders do not cost this much, it is a scandal similar to burning Courts, hospitals, markets and so on. Having said that, UPND should not comment on this matter, they are equally guilty. I am a TAX payer and this hurts.
Was looking for the most st.Up!d comment on this thread and congrats my friend I have found yours. You are an insult to adulthood.
@Don(25), For your own information UPND is a powerful Zambian opposition party. Here we are not talking about Kambwili or the PF or whatever. We are seriously talking about tax payer’s money being abused and misused to only benefit the inner circle and not the masses suffering severely under ECL leadership. I live in North America. I have not seen or even read where a fire truck would cost that much especially to a third world country like Zambia. $1m is a lot of money to be spent on one moving vehicle. I am not a fan of Kambwili but apa pena nasosa ifishinka. Let us be serious for once fwebena Zambia. We cannot watch helplessly while these PF thugs continue to steal and enrich themselves at the expense of the majority of Zambians. Zambia is in fact rich but politicians always bring down…
“Those are just basic fire engines and cannot cost that much,….the same fire trucks in South Africa which puts each fire truck at US$158,000 dollars.” Does this 1d.i.o.t think he he talking to baby class kids who can’t read???? Who said these are basic fire engines??? Why hasn’t he put down the specifications that came with the fire engines???
Government of Thieves by the Thieves for the Thieves. Aluta Looting…
It doesn’t matter when the deal was done people must be arrested for this corrupt deal. UPND here is an opportunity to make credible noise. Its not enough to just talk about it. Let’s see action. $1million per ka truck yanyanya
The country is so dirty, we are told that there is no money to collect garbage. Now this? I hope PF will explain to us what really happened and I hope there was no corruption involved. I hate UPND and I also hate thieves/corruption.
I SUPPORT HAABAZOKA AND KAMBWILI, WHAT we need is the strong opposition political parties which can give proper checks and balance to the ruling party, unlike what we see today with same so called opposition political parties…….
Its amazing that a fire tender can cost a cool US$1m apiece. Are those fire tenders different from the ones being used at KK International Air Force and ZNAC or not? Lets beging by looking at the cost of those things and then build on their historical cost. To begin with this is taxpayers money and I fail to understand how Hon Vin Mwale is going to put his act together and convience every right thinking concerned citizen that things went beserk within the corridors of his Ministry. The best Hon. Mwale can do is to get zee. I am sure he was not Local Govt. Minister by then just been caught inn the web of grand corruption. May the main plunders could have now switched camp to the opposition. I remember the other scandal at local govt. under MMD which involved the procurement of curtains for…
If Zambians were given an option of paying tax or not, a lot of us would have been running away from paying tax. You cannot pay tax and wait for your money to be misused. Its like giving your hard earned money to someone who will throw it in the pit latrine full of filthy. On this one government has failed its own citizens. I think the Minister himself should have questioned this and let alone the President should have questioned this. I have been made to believe that the head of State has information on his fingure tips, the reason why this information filters to him is enable him know what is happening in the Country and through the law enforcement agencies he should act. But if our leaders take it to be normal then we are in a serious problem. Civil Society, the Church, TIZ and all…
Fighting corruption like this will not get the country far. Like we already experienced with the task force/post newspaper rubbish. What the country needs are INSTITUTIONS!! Institutions that are enshrined in our constitution and are able to put together the best minds in the particular field. Currently the constitution provides for a Public Protector, Article 243. Then, if the opposition and the citizen are up to scratch, we should be heckling the government for the upgrading of the ZP, rearrangement of DEC and ACC. Then we should push for action for matters raised by the Auditor General and fight for a platform of action through the said institutions (PP, ZP, ACC, DEC). NOT THIS KAMBWILI TANTRUMS RUBBISH THAT IS JUST LIKE WHAT WE WASTED OUR TIME AND RESOURCES ON THROUGH THAT USELESS…
He’s just an open trumpet blower. Spare your time, don’t educate us on institutions we always have had them. Let’s deal with corruption at hand! Like the South Koreans, Zambians aren’t stupid. We will get you.
Let’s revisit this Fire tender issue. About 15 years ago ,the government purchased 5 Scania Fire engines of which one went to Kitwe, one to Ndola, two to Lusaka and one for Livingstone. The cost was $800, 000. apiece. Did the current guys pick it up from there?
Am afraid Spaka won’t have time for this.
Uncle Ck , leave your friends nitawi yabo. if you cant beat them , join them full-stop.
Nizonda mentality yaso, ati nitawi yabo kuti?
very very sad to read and hear how people just don’t care for this country. Nothing matters as long as their families are comfortable even when others are dying due to lack of just Panadol in our hospitals. politicians have no morals..
Kambwili knows better where to go and file a report. Not to a newspaper, Not to a press conference audience but to either the POLICE or indeed The Courts of Law. Stop corrupting the minds of innocent Zambians who do not know the full scope of the job.
In terms of a basic truck, the main factor that affects the price will be its type. A $500,000 truck will be your basic pumper/engine, ladder and wildland trucks. However, expect the price to skyrocket for specialty trucks such as hazmat or heavy rescue trucks. Another factor that will affect the price would be the equipment that will be installed on the truck. Prices can range anywhere from $300,000 to more than $1 million on trucks with specialized equipment. The $500,000 range is for trucks that don’t have any sort of equipment.
A fire chief and a couple of firefighters answered this very question on Quora.com. The initial respondent stated that fire trucks cost under $1 million. The other respondents agreed with this figure, stating that the basic fire truck (unequipped) costs…
…saw that too, my guy! No wonder I find this debate somewhat time wasting. It would be in order to get facts from experts first than rush and alarm the nation. Kambwili is not anywhere near to being an expert in this matter. The earlier article from John Lulamile which looked at the matter from the ZPPA aspect shed some much needed insight on the matter.
Zambian Citizen – Are you a Zambian really? At least there were convictions. Richard Sakala convicted, Sammuel Musonda Convicted, Saviour Chungu had to run away and no Nolles. How many cases of corruption has you bululu’s government prosecuted? Zero. Shame to this lawyer. That is why RB insists that we should respect former heads of states even if they are thieves. And this is ECL advisor. looo.
Even if Kambwili was in government, the question is, is it true that there was corruption? If he got quotations from the same supplier for the same make of equipment, then he has a point and it means they are of the same specification. Simple.
If only those in government could be serious about their work. None of us would buy items whose prizes have been so inflated, it is so shameful that those accorded with responsibilities to look after the country and it’s resources are that careless and without care for others. We are losing a lot of lives for lack of medical resources and yet money that is meant to work for all the poor Zambians is being wasted. God hear your children’s cries. May your will be done.
People of Zambia not long ago Kambwili was being questioned about his accumulation of wealth .he is just bitter because he’s not partaking in these deals.Kambwili himself has amassed wealth within 2 yrs.hishouse is like a garage what money does he make to accumulate all this .he bought 10 Volvo brand new trucks when he was minister all of a sudden he has become a saint to condemn.Every one is corrupt the culture needs to change for zambia to improve economically.even Kambwili should pay back the money and hand over those flats he built on mining area Golf club in luanshya .balekeke ukusabaila ba Kambwili he’s not a saint.
Thats government for you. We have already paid K55,000.00 to have the boss’ car serviced at one of the garages. Change of oil and oil filter, spark plugs and air filter kwasila. This is where logic really beats me too.
We have also bought a ream of paper at K300.
Hey see who is speaking. Well I think this is the last thing that can talk corruption.
I have respect for Hon. Kambwili as our leader, but at times please let us not mislead the nation.
Having audited thousands of procurement items in Zambia and many African countries, the fire tender appears to have been conducted within the rules of the current game as designed by policy and administrative arrangements.
There is a serious contradiction between the ZPPA Act and the related SI. I have personally persuaded changes to the SI but to no avail. Government has lost and will continue to lose colossal sums of money if we continue to disqualify compliant bids, for items such as a litigation status, which does not affect the substance of the bids. This positions is also against international norms and standards.
The Head of State needs to intervene and correct this…
People are condemning CK that when this deal of fire tenders were agreed, he was still in government. Well, that is true but not every one in government at that particular time was involved in this scandal hence the finger pointing at those suspected beneficiary from the deal. I support CK on this one. Culprits should be able to answer for their wrongs.
Best thing is to drive all these fire fighting machines to Lusaka and park them at the British High Commission and ask them to ship them back to the supplier. We want to buy from the cheapest source. After all it is our money and not PF’s money.
@zulu. spot on. we need such practical ideas. It’s our money. Basically the pf Secretariat is embarrassed…as you can ka father, kana phiri.mummbi are all quiet. Only the fimo fimo citizen is yapping so he can go report to kaisa.sulu that ‘I posted so I have antagonized them’. Ka rubbish senior fimo fimo you are useless idi.ot.
The last time I checked, parliamentarians were all part of government – namely, the legislature and therefore CK is still a part of government!
Guys see how some disgruntled American citizens are complaining about the cost of a fire truck… take a leaf from there and learn something I hope.
>
James Boothroyd
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March 2, 2012 at 4:58 pm
A milliom dollars for a truck? and our taxes keep going up, soon i,ll be forced to move to a smaller town after i sell my home here in mason city
James is a know it all…
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March 4, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Because you know how much a fire engine costs?
You can’t just go to your local ford dealership and buy one. These things are custom made for the needs of the city and fire department.
Bob
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January 30, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Does the fire dept purchase medications from different area pharmacies and support them as well or…
James Boothroyd
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March 2, 2012 at 4:58 pm
A milliom dollars for a truck? and our taxes keep going up, soon i,ll be forced to move to a smaller town after i sell my home here in mason city
James is a know it all…
Reply Report comment
March 4, 2012 at 10:55 pm
Because you know how much a fire engine costs?
You can’t just go to your local ford dealership and buy one. These things are custom made for the needs of the city and fire department.
Bob
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January 30, 2012 at 7:56 pm
Does the fire dept purchase medications from different area pharmacies and support them as well or do they purchase meds from just one pharmacy? Is it a bidding process or how does it work? Is Crooked right? And if so how can a smaller local pharmacy offer…
.
BS
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January 30, 2012 at 9:50 am
What a bunch of crooks!!
Larry
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January 30, 2012 at 9:08 am
How many buildings are there in the city that require a truck this big and expensive. We already have one and if it needs repair then fix the damn thing. What ever happened to justifying a piece of equipment. Just saying you need it for public safety doesn’t get it.
Observer
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January 30, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Joe
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January 29, 2012 at 10:43 pm
My taxes keep going up and up!!! This is why many people, even city employees, have moved to smaller surrounding towns and why our population and tax base keeps going down. Of course I support our fire dept. This is the same type of…
Comments from the likes of Ndanje and his/her lapdogs, defy logic. Labouring at great pain to defend the indefensible – spouting illogical unrelated arguments. Does it matter that Kambwili was around at the time? This has nothing to do with whether one hates or likes Kambwili. It has to do with a simple answer to a simple question – which govt. should be ready to give comprehensively without the unconvincing piecemeal explanations we have heard so far from some officials.
I have consistently stated on this blog that our down fall as a nation should be attributed more to those who choose to stand by and say nothing or do nothing and those who bury their heads in the sand while they are exploited to the very marrow of their bones by unscrupulous thieving politicians.
It doesn’t matter whether Kambwili was there. His behaviour is typical model of Zambian politics. The unit cost can be justified but the issue is corruption was involved. Let’s deal with corruption here. we can’t continue to allow lazy people getting away with our monies. Corruption Data is all we need now and should come from all sources. I beg civil servants, release more data. Laziness is synonymous with dullness. the learned lazy man is very dull. Enjoy while your corruption can last. We will get you.
It’s true that educated men and women in Zambia are just useles, because they can’t even understand or explain such controversial issues to make uneducated poor Zambian people understand.
Kambwili is just there to open up your eyes so that you can see what has been robbed from you, but still you can’t even imagine the benefits that you are really entitled to live with. Zambians, please change your attitudes. We need basic priorities to focus on instead of wasting money on what the majority of Zambian people will never benefit. Let’s be fair, otherwise God will never spare you for that
One thing is true here, if there was no corruption involved in the purchase of these fire tenders here it means government was ripped off with its eyes wide open. But also remember, Zambia is a one week cry country. After one week all this hullabaloo on fire tenders will just go quiet.
The technical requirements must have been exaggerated for this kind of price for one vehicle if this cost is true. In fact, there should have been different specs for engines destined for rural districts where there is no complexity of city buildings, routes, industries, etc and these would be in the majority at a much cheaper cost, hence more engines. Better still, since we’re going to be using fire engines for a long time to come, why not organize a partnership to have engines assembled here, build skilled human capital among our people to maintain and develop the technology locally. Now soon you’ll hear the engines have packed up, nobody can repair them. Kindergarten leadership really.
Who is going to investigate this corruption issue since the ACC has already done so and find that the transaction was done in good faith according to what the buyer wanted. Can we put this issue to rest please? If the fire tender was costing $800,000 15 years ago what do you think it should cost now? Is the word million which has troubled you so much? Some year back ZAF bought the same at $1.3m why don’t we start by reporting the ZAF guys? Even the one at the airport was purchased more that S1m. Mr Kabwili what do say about these other purchases?
sad indeed we appreciate the effort of collecting revenue from citizens but we are worried about the spending a week before this happened Felix Mutati said we need to look at government procurement’s ,that is were the country is bleeding from, why should constructing a road in Zambia cost more than Bostwana which has bad terrains,
2 Zambians let us be patriotic hatred is a blind that sidelines real issues of focus we are fighting over who brought the funeral news missing the funeral itself sad even politicians know Zambians easily miss it i remember Mwanawasa told Sata Zambiams forget easly
3 corruption can not be fought by arresting individuals if you dont know prison is for the poor dont burn jackets that are been eating in your walldrop by rats kill the rats then buy new jackest…