Africa-Press – Malawi. The Ministry of Education has defended Malawi government’s decision to award Paramount Holdings Limited an MK8.7 billion contract for the construction of the prestigious Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa University arguing that all procurement procedures were followed and properly done.
Ministry of Education Spokesperson Mphatso Nkuonera told The Maravi Post in an interview on Saturday evening, December 23, 2023, that Paramount Holding Limited emerged as a successful bidder for the project.
Nkuonera therefore appealed to the general public to engage the ministry if they have any other issues regarding to the project saying the prestigious Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa University is long overdue for construction.
“The Ministry of Education followed the due process in procurement and procedures to award Paramount Holdings Limited MK8.7 billion for the construction of Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa University.
“Approvals for contract signing to Paramount Holdings Limited were sought from the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), and Government Contract Unit (GCU). These institutions have the mandate to cross-check the eligibility of service providers and suppliers in the system,” defends Nkuonera.
The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), responsible for overseeing and regulating public procurement processes, defended its decision to grant a “no objection” to Paramount Holdings.
PPDA’s public relations and communication manager Kate Tapiwa Kujaliwa, explained that the authority relied on information provided by the Ministry of Education in making its decision.
In a separate interview with one of the Paramount Holdings Limited Directors, on the contract award query, hinted that the company submitted all bidding documents that it emerged as a successful bidder.
“All that you are hearing particularly negative stories about us is a work of our competitor in business. We are saving the people of Malawi with quality services. There is nothing sinister in awarding us the contract to construct Inkosi Ya Makhosi M’mbelwa University.
“We fear God when doing business with anyone. So, Currently, we are also in a fertilizer importation contract with the Malawi government. Let’s help the current leadership with good works while the local media also must carry positive stories not always negative ones that try to tarnish someone’s image,” he urges.
This comes after one local civil rights group Centre for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) questioned Malawi government’s decision to award Paramount Holdings Limited contract while the firm is in court on other matters.
For More News And Analysis About Malawi Follow Africa-Press
