dyton mupawaenda
Mukudzei Chingwere–Herald Reporter
DILIGENCE and efficiency in public funds expenditure is central to a country’s development and attainment of national goals, Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga said.
Speaking at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) third Annual Public Procurement Conference that was officially opened by President Mnangagwa, where a new electronic Government Procurement System was also unveiled, VP Chiwenga said it was gratifying that measures are being put in place for a transparent and corruption-free procurement system.
This he said, is fundamental to the smooth and rapid growth of the country’s industrialisation drive which dovetails with President Mnangagwa’s stance of zero tolerance to corruption and the need for transparency in conducting business in Zimbabwe.
“Some of you may recall that our Guest of Honour emphasised on the need to ‘enhance good corporate governance, entrench transparency and accountability’, during the recently held Government High Level Retreat.
“This third Annual Procurement Conference, therefore, presents us with a platform to brainstorm and reform our public procurement space which is fundamental to the achievement of our national developmental aspirations.
“You will agree with me that, public procurement is a critical function of Government, and it plays a vital role in ensuring that public funds are spent diligently, effectively and efficiently.
“We therefore need to foster effective procurement practices that deliver quality goods and services to our citizens and at the same time promoting transparency and accountability in Government,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said to achieve this, there is need to fully embrace the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets (PPDPA) Act as it is dovetails with the attainment of Vision 2030.
VP Chiwenga said this year’s conference is notably important, as the country strives to come up with innovative solutions to improve service delivery.
Delegates follow proceedings during the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe Third Annual Public Procurement Conference and launch of the electronic Government Procurement (e-GP) system in Harare yesterday.
“The digitisation of economies has amplified the importance of resilient supply chains, and the need for procurement professionals to be agile and adaptable in the face of rapidly changing environments.
“I am therefore, pleased that this year’s conference will focus on topics such as sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation.
“These are all critical areas that will help us to build more robust and resilient procurement systems, and to deliver better outcomes for our citizens,” said VP Chiwenga.
He said strengthening public procurement is of paramount importance and the launching by the President of the PRAZ electronic Government procurement (e-GP System) is in line with the Second Republic reforms of easy of doing business.
VP Chiwenga said digitisation of systems will go a long way in ensuring that public procurement is executed in a more transparent and efficient manner thus expediting implementation of national key developmental projects.
Online Reporter