Story by Stanley James, Bussiness Editor
GOVERNMENT has tightened screws in the awarding of tenders for state-owned entities after operationalising a new electronic procurement system to combat corruption.
The Electronic Government Procurement System unveiled last year is aimed at combating corruption in the awarding of tenders by parastatals, local authorities and government ministries.
Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe chief executive officer, Mr Clever Ruswa told ZBC News that the system is now fully operational.
“We are happy that the electronic government procurement system unveiled by His Excellency on the 23rd of October last year has taken effect, because we took a training blitz shortly after the unveiling to prepare the budding community of the latest regulations, and we are happy to inform the nation that the response has been positive with over half of suppliers having been registered during the past two weeks,” he said.
The new electronic procurement system is also expected to save over 30 percent of fiscal funds on a yearly basis.
“It means more transparency and accountability in the awarding of tenders a development that will also plug off loopholes and save huge amounts of funds while facilitating value of returns in line with the value for money process. So, it’s bringing more efficiency and we are expecting positive results to that effect,” he added.
The system operates by connecting entities in tender awarding and bidding processes to enhance efficiency.
