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{
    "id": 522686,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/522686/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 94,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Mulu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1955,
        "legal_name": "Benson Makali Mulu",
        "slug": "benson-makali-mulu"
    },
    "content": "When we read this Bill, the only unfortunate thing is that the so called e- procurement has not been articulated properly. In terms of the details, these do not come out clearly how we are going to make sure that this is carried out properly. If it is not clearly articulated then we are likely to lose in this process. As we move forward, this is an area to which we will be proposing some amendments, so that it comes out clearly how it will be conducted. Another important item in terms of reducing unnecessary delays is what is found in Clause 43 (2). It is what we are calling “board reviews”. After some time, we will have a board which will review the process. The whole idea for reviewing this process is to fast-track implementation. This reviewing is going to help this country to ensure that there is timely implementation of procurement matters. The other important item for reducing unnecessary delays is Clause 46 (7), which talks about what we call “evaluation committees”. These committees have been given the mandate to even outsource when they do not have internal capacity. If we are procuring a very complicated item for, example, and the committee does not have internal capacity, then this Bill provides for external assistance. They can go out there, and use the required expertise so that value for money is gotten and the process facilitated. This is very important because it will avoid a situation where people take a lot of time discussing and trying to process a procurement which they might not understand. The other important thing is Clause 50(6). It talks about giving preferential treatment to local agents. This is very important because it is the only way we can grow our economy; we should ensure that we have local investors who are promoted by our Government through procurement processes. This clause is, therefore, very important to me and it is good that it is clearly stated in this Bill. The third area which I want to conclude with is about how this Bill is going to address reduction of corruption practices. As I read through this Bill, there are some clauses which might help, although this has really been a serious problem in this country. When you look at Clause 43(2), the Bill provides for what we are calling “procurement audits” during procurement. This is so that at any stage of procurement, we can conduct audits of the process. This will make sure that corruption practices in procurement are minimised. We might not really eradicate corruption but we can minimise it. That way, this country will benefit. The other important thing in reducing corrupt practices is the idea of empowering investigators. If you look at Clause 36, the Bill talks about investigators who will be empowered. They will be given the mandate to go into the process and check any institution to make sure that corrupt practices are non-existent. The other thing in this Bill which is likely to reduce corruption is found in Clause 45(5). It says:- “For the avoidance of doubt, all public officers or State officers involved in procurement or asset disposal processes shall bear responsibility for their actions or omissions.” What does this clause do? It ensures that there is personal responsibility by the procurement officers. Therefore, if you are in charge of a procurement process, this clause will ensure that if any mistake is committed which leads to corruption in the The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}