Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe [email protected]
THE Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) has said the recently introduced National Standard Price List (NSPL) is not a price control mechanism but a procurement tool designed to improve transparency, curb overpricing and ensure value for money in public spending.
Speaking at the Fifth Annual Public Procurement Symposium in Bulawayo today, PRAZ chief executive officer Mr Clever Ruswa said there criticism and push back directed at the price list.
“There was a push back on the price list, some sections were saying it is impeding us from achieving certain goals.
“But this is not a price control, it is a guide,” said Mr Ruswa.
The NSPL was developed by PRAZ in partnership with the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) and the National Competitiveness Commission (NCC) to provide standardised reference prices for commonly procured goods and services across the public sector.
The framework was introduced following repeated concerns from Treasury over widespread overcharging in Government contracts, with some suppliers allegedly charging up to five times prevailing market prices, resulting in significant fiscal leakages.
According to PRAZ, the price list is used during procurement planning, bid evaluation and contract award stages to assess the reasonableness of prices submitted by bidders.
Mr Ruswa said the framework would continue evolving through regular stakeholder consultations.
“When we came out with those 44 divisions, the list is not exhaustive. Right now at the end of this month we will be working with ZimStat again to look into that list and include those other categories.
“This is a flexible document which you can use as a guide,” he said.
Mr Ruswa said effective procurement creates jobs, strengthens local industries, improves service delivery and safeguards public resources.
He also reaffirmed PRAZ’s commitment to broadening participation by SMEs, women-owned enterprises, youth and war veterans while maintaining compliance and accountability.
“PRAZ will not only push inclusion but will also continue to strengthen enforcement and guidance,” he said.
The two-day symposium has brought together Government officials, procurement practitioners, development partners, local authorities, academia and private sector representatives to discuss procurement reforms aimed at supporting inclusive growth and sustainable economic transformation.
