Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo-Zimpapers Business Hub
THE Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) has issued a stern warning to some senior Government officials found engaging in the business of local authorities.
The OPC emphasised that line ministries should respect the three tiers of governance and the rule of law.
Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti, Permanent Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President, raised this point during the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ) Public Procurement and Governance Conference for Local Authorities held in Bulawayo.
Eng Muguti said local authorities represented the third tier of legislative oversight.
“The Office of the President and Cabinet has started noticing a trend where certain line ministries are now overtaking local authorities and undertaking procurement directly,” said Eng Muguti.
“Let me assure you all that this will not end well. Let’s respect that we have three tiers of governance in this country as in our Constitution. Let’s respect each other and respect the law.”
He highlighted that some senior Government officials imposed contractors of choice on local authorities, an act he stressed was unethical.
“It doesn’t matter the title you hold, the law applies to everyone,” said Eng Muguti.
“So, let’s stop abusing our offices as Central Government. Let’s allow local authorities to do what they were elected to do, which is to govern their jurisdictions.”
Eng Muguti noted that a lot of corruption is occurring across the country concerning procurement issues. He explained that procurement laws mandate accounting officers from local authorities to handle procurement.
The warning underscores the government’s commitment to devolution, a constitutional principle aimed at decentralising power and resources to local authorities to improve service delivery and democratic participation at the grassroots level.”
Meanwhile, Eng Muguti also stated that compliance with public procurement regulations is essential for local authorities to maintain integrity and accountability in their operations. He highlighted that numerous court cases have revealed significant lapses in this area, leading to legal repercussions for various local authorities in Zimbabwe.
“Instances of non-compliance, such as failure to follow competitive bidding processes or inadequate record-keeping, have resulted in legal challenges that not only drained public resources but also tarnished the reputation of local governance,” he emphasised.
“These court cases serve as stark reminders of the importance of adhering to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act. By ensuring compliance, local authorities can mitigate risks associated with corruption and a lack of improved service delivery.”
