Contractors accuse Kitwe City Council officials of corruption

SOME contractors who have been tendering for jobs under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) at the Kitwe City Council (KCC) have accused some officers in the procurement department of being corrupt and demanding 10 percent commission from each contract awarded to them

But Town Clerk Patrick Kambita when contacted said the council was committed to upholding transparency in the procurement processes, particularly within the CDF and other areas of procurement.

The contractors, who sought anonymity, have complained that some officials in the procurement department have been threatening to cancel contracts for those who were refusing to pay the 10 percent illegal commission that was being demanded by the council officials.

The contractors claim that the officials had been boasting that they were untouchable because they campaigned for the ruling party.

Some councillors and senior council officers who declined to be named confirmed the corruption in the procurement department.

But Mr Kambita reiterated that the council was committed to upholding transparency in the awarding of CDF contracts to all eligible Zambians irrespective of their political affiliation and association.

Mr Kambita challenged those with evidence of alleged corruption and other malpractices involving procurement offices to report them to the local authority so that appropriate action could be taken.

“Claims of employees engaging in a 10 percent contract acquisition scheme do not align with council policies. We encourage individuals with evidence to step forward and report such information to the relevant authorities, including the Kitwe City Council Integrity Committee,” Mr Kambita said.