By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has called on the Spokesperson at the Ministry of Information and Media Thabo Kawana to exculpate himself in the eyes of the public through retracting his statement that the PF regime procured K9.885 million motor bikes for the Ministry of Community Development and social services.
TIZ President Sampa Kaungu said this is disappointing and misleading information shared by UNPD’s Media director Kawana on today’s Red Hot Breakfast Show on Hot FM Radio since the Ministry’s procurement committee meeting which awarded the contract was held on 6th May 2022 and the supplier was consequently informed through a letter dated 9th May 2022.
“In light of the above, TI-Z calls upon Mr Kawana to exculpate himself in the eyes of the public through retracting his statement. The interest of the public in this tender is anchored on the unit price of the Motor Bikes in question and it is therefore pretentious to shift blame while failing to address the main concern.
“On the same program, Mr Kawana failed to inform the public of the exact model and specifications of the Motor Bikes, which information is critical in ascertaining if indeed one Bike can cost over K130, 000,” he said.
TI-Z has since called upon the Minister of Information and Media Chushi Kasanda who is the official government spokesperson, to issue a comprehensive statement on this matter.
“ Furthermore, we wish to bring to the attention of Mr Kawana and the general public that government recently cancelled some contracts because they were deemed not to be in the national interest. This shows that government has the power and right to cancelling any questionable contracts. In line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s promise to Zambians with regards the prudent utilization and management of resources, we call upon all government ministries to actualize this promise through promoting transparency and accountability,” he said
