GOVERNMENT has urged local authorities to comply with public procurement regulations to maintain accountability in their operations amid rising court cases resulting from failure to comply with laid-down procedures.
The remarks were made by Presidential Affairs and Devolution secretary in the Office of the President Tafadzwa Muguti during the Public Procurement and Governance Conference for Local Authorities held in Bulawayo on Monday.
The two-day conference was being held under the theme Collaborative Governance: Building Partnerships for Effective Public Procurement and Local Economic Development.
Muguti said the ramifications of non-compliance extended beyond legal consequences as they directly affected the communities they serve.
“Compliance with public procurement regulations is essential for local authorities to maintain integrity and accountability in your operations,” he said.
“Unfortunately, numerous court cases have highlighted 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.”
Added Muguti: “These court cases serve as stark reminders of the importance of adhering to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act.
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“By ensuring compliance, local authorities can mitigate risks associated with corruption and lack of improved service delivery.”
He added that when procurement processes were flawed, the resultant contracts might not deliver the intended benefits to local suppliers and businesses.
“When you overlook the importance of engaging local suppliers, you miss opportunities to stimulate your own economies,” Muguti said.
“This can lead to a cycle of disillusionment among residents who depend on effective local governance for essential services. By adhering to the tenets of public procurement, you can ensure the proper acquisition and disposal of public assets.
“In this way, compliance is not just a legal obligation, but it is a critical pathway to achieving sustainable local economic development and improving the quality of life for all citizens.”
Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe chief executive officer Clever Ruswa said collaborative governance enabled the nation to respond more effectively to the needs of the communities, drive innovation and create opportunities for economic growth.
“Public procurement is a powerful tool for stimulating local economic growth, promoting micro and small to medium-sized enterprises and supporting community development,” he said.
“By prioritising local suppliers, fostering fair competition, and ensuring transparency, we can maximise the impact of public procurement in local economies.
“This, in turn, can lead to job creation, increased local investment and improved quality of life for our citizens.”
