ODPP nullifies Natural Resources College catering contract
In a decision to exercise its powers, the Office of the Director of Public Procurement (ODPP} has cancelled a catering contact that Natural Resources College awarded to Likuni Caterers.
This is coming at a time when critics have openly expressed their disappointment after a preliminary audit report conducted few months ago exposed numerous flaws and abuse in public procurement processes.
The development comes after Nyasa Timesreport exposed the flaws after whistle-blowers had alerted.
Likuni Caterers is owned and run by Former Principal, Feston Kaupa and his two colleagues a Mr Piringu of the Roads Authority and Paul Chikopa of Premier Tama Tobacco Company.
ODPP Director Bright Mangulama last week said he knows that corruption exists in public procurement but he blamed the general public for largely contributing to such cases.
Apparently, Kaupa was arrested by the Anti Corruption Bureau in September, 2011 and the case is still on at the Lilongwe Magistrate Court.
Charges
ACB senior public relations officer Egrita Ndala said bureau received a complaint on September 4 2009 alleging that Kaupa disregarded a recommendation of the internal procurement committee.
He was charged with two counts of misuse of public office contrary to Section 25 B (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act.
Kaupa is on bail and is required to report to the ACB Mondays every fortnight and that he should seek authority of the bureau’s director if he wants to go outside the city.
The case has been adjourned twice because of the in availability of the presiding magistrate.
The ODPP has since launched a corruption prevention policy which the department believes will eliminate corrupt practices within the ODPP.
Principal Secretary responsible for administration in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Charles Msosa said the policy applies to many other stakeholders including ministries, parastatals, government departments and agencies that wear double caps as buyers and suppliers.
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