The Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) has disclosed that it has permanently barred a local contractor and its Directors from participating in Public Procurement in Zambia.
Authority Principal Officer for Public Relations Laura Hamusute told Money FM News that this is due to failure by Emitach Enterprises Limited to fulfill contractual obligations without any reasonable cause or excuse.
Ms. Hamusute said the decision is pursuant to the provisions of Section 67 of the Public Procurement Act No. 12 of 2008, adding that the Authority is mandated under Regulation 168 (3) of the Public Procurement Regulations to publicize all its decisions on debarments and suspensions of suppliers or bidders.
“In exercise of the powers vested in the Authority under Section 67 of the Public Procurement Act No. 12 of 2008, be advised that Emitach Enterprises Limited and its Directors, Mr. Chao Mbewe, Mr. Boniface Chirwa and Ms. Emeldah Mutinta Mutafu of Suite 1, 1st Floor Exchange Building, Farmers House, Cairo Road, Lusaka have been permanently debarred from participating in public procurement in Zambia for failing to substantially perform contractual obligations without any reasonable cause or excuse,” Ms. Hamusute stated.
She explained that all procuring entities are therefore expected to enforce the debarment by not awarding contracts to Emitach Enterprises Limited and its directors, selling or issuing solicitation documents to them.
“Procuring entities are further directed to not have any dealings with Emitach Enterprises Limited except in respect of existing contracts placed prior to the debarment. The debarment includes any successor in interest which employs or is associated with the Directors of Emitach Enterprises Limited.”
“It is important to note that the debarment does not in any way limit Emitach Enterprises Limited and its Directors from performing outstanding contracts that were entered into prior to the debarment,” she said.
Ms. Hamuste further said the Authority is encouraging procuring entities to report all erring suppliers and contractors in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act and the Public Procurement Regulations.
She also warned all contractors and suppliers to ensure that they fulfill their contractual obligations or risk facing sanctions.