Kangwa cautions against procurement delays

Secretary to the Cabinet, Patrick Kangwa, says procurement delays have become one of the most significant constraints to performance.

Mr Kangwa observed that most projects which have been approved have stalled due to delays in the procurement processes.

He pointed out that despite budgets being allocated to projects they are not converted into impact due to delays in procurement.

“Across government institutions, state enterprises, local authorities, private companies, and development partners, lined programmes, procurement delays have become one of the most significant constraints to performance,“ he said.

Mr Kangwa said this in a speech read for him by Cabinet Office Special Duties Permanent Secretary, Wisdom Bwalya during the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply 2nd annual procurement committee training workshop.

Mr Kangwa empathized on the need to execute projects timely stating that delays in procurement processes have become bottlenecks in the implementation of projects.

He pointed out that rigidities such as capacity constraints have also contributed in delaying project implementation.

Mr Kangwa however, stressed that transparency and accountability are pillars of good governance, but should not contribute to delays in undertaking projects.

He stated that procurement must move from being viewed as a compliance gatekeeper to being recognized as a strategic enabler of development.

Mr Kangwa said procurement and efficiency directly affects the pace at which communities receive essential services especially from the local authorities.

He indicated that the effectiveness of decentralization largely depends on how quickly and responsibly procurement decisions are made.

And speaking earlier, Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) president, Daniel Kabamba urged procurement officers to follow the law and respect procedures but also ensure that procurement processes move with agency.