Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
GWERU residents have thrown their weight behind the proposed Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Amendment Bill, applauding its potential to curb corruption, eliminate conflict of interest, and bring much-needed transparency to the way the Government and councils handle public property.
One of the most welcomed provisions in the Bill is a clause that bars Government employees and their relatives from buying disposed public assets, closing a loophole often exploited for personal gain.
The Amendment Bill seeks to strengthen the existing Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act (Chapter 22:23) and align it with the Constitution. It also proposes the establishment of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe and the repeal of the outdated Procurement Act.
At a public hearing held yesterday in Gweru by the Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion and the Public Accounts Committee, residents and civic leaders expressed strong support for the reforms.
Acting chairman of the Gweru Residents Trust, Mr Obvious Gonamombe, said the Bill represents a step forward in promoting accountable governance.
“We advocate for reforms that empower communities. These changes will not only elevate governance but also promote inclusive development across Zimbabwe,” he said.
Mr Gonamombe added that citizen trust in public institutions hinges on transparent procurement systems; hence, this Bill could help reduce corruption and promote the responsible use of public resources.
Director of the Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association, Mr Cornelius Selipiwe, noted that while the Bill addresses key issues, there is a need for further clarity, particularly on the powers of the Minister and the role of local councillors.
“Currently, councillors play no role in procurement or disposal despite being mandated to provide oversight. The Bill should empower them to actively monitor these processes,” said Mr Selipiwe.
He welcomed the inclusion of citizen voices and commended the Bill’s intention to make public procurement more inclusive and accountable.
Gweru resident Ms Gracia Mashonganyika emphasised the importance of public access to information about tenders and contracts.
“If something is for the public, then the public must know about it. We want transparency on who wins tenders and how,” she said.
Executive director of the Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association Trust, Mr David Chikore, warned against the rise of so-called “tenderpreneurs”, a term that refers to well-connected individuals who exploit procurement laws by inflating prices.
“Local authorities should be allowed to procure goods at competitive prices, even beyond borders if necessary. Buying directly from manufacturers will help stop the bleeding of public funds through inflated invoices,” he said.
Committee chairperson Cde Energy Mutodi said the Bill is part of Parliament’s effort to tighten oversight and ensure that procurement is both legal and value-for-money.
“Whenever things are bought or disposed of, public funds would have been used. So that money should be accounted for, which assists us in guarding against wasteful expenditures, ensuring that citizens get the maximum benefits from the country’s resources,” he said.
