• The current price index is misleading.
• It may lead to a conflict between the clients, procuring entities suppliers, and contractors alike.
• ZPPA rushed to coming up with this Price Index so as to please political players.

Zambia Association of Citizen Contractors (ZACCO) has advised Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) to suspend the Market Price Index which was launched last week.
Association Secretary General Danny Simumba told Money FM News that this is to allow for stakeholder consultation and arrive at the market price which is reflective of what is pertaining on the ground.
Mr. Simumba stated that the current Price Index is misleading and may result in conflict between the procuring entities, suppliers and contractors.
“We urge ZPPA to quickly withdraw the Market Price Index which was launched last week so that they come up with one which is supported by all stakeholders and which is not in conflict with what is prevailing on the ground. They should take time and do a good job which will reflect the correct picture on the ground. It is also important to engage other key stakeholders when undertaking this exercise,” Mr. Simumba said.
Mr. Simumba added that ZPPA should not rush to come up with the market Price Index following the pronouncement by President Hakainde Hichilema that project prices should be reduced.
“We feel ZPPA rushed to coming up with this Price Index so as to please political players following the pronouncement by the President that prices should be reduced for the projects, but this does not mean they have to undertake a rushed assignment so that they are seen to be working,” he added.
Last week, Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) launched a Market Price Index, which is a list of prices governing the delivery of goods and services, whose objective is to prevent inflating of prices in the procurement of goods, services and works by government.