PS Chimwemwe Banda in ‘contempt of Parliament’

Ministry of Information, Tourism and Culture Principal Secretary Chimwemwe Banda on Tuesday refused to appear before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament to respond to Treasury minutes.

Banda, one of the most powerful women in government, and other officials from the ministry were summoned to explain the loss of about K15 million as part of its oversight role.

But she snubbed PAC meeting and reportedly told the committee she was too busy to attend to their meeting.

PAC has since resolved to discipline her, according to Committee chairperson Alekeni Menyani .

Menyani said the committee will report her to the Chief Secretary to the Government and start “contempt of Parliament proceedings against her.”

He said Banda’s action is tantamount to “ belittling the powers invested in [PAC].”

Banda was expected to explain a K14 million payment for services not rendered, irregular award of a contract to the director of Department of Information Systems and Technology Management Services amounting to K232 900 and explain missing payment vouchers amounting to K1 154 141.19.

She last appeared before the committee in October 2014 when she was turned back for presenting irregular documentation with the intention of deliberately misleading the committee.