Shocker As Mnangagwa Orders Govt To Conceal Purchase Of Equipment

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has with immediate effect ordered his government to conceal details surrounding the purchase vital of equipment from the public in the name of “national interest”.

“It is hereby notified that the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe has, in terms of section 3(6) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:23], declared the following to be of national interest and shall not be publicly disclosed:

Construction equipment and materials;

Biomedical and medical equipment;

Medicines and Drugs (Pharmaceuticals);

Vehicles including ambulances;

Laboratory equipment, chemicals, and accessories;

Hospital protective equipment, and

Repairs and maintenance services of hospital equipment and machinery,” reads General Notice 635 of 2023 published on May 5.

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The development is likely to stir controversy at a time institutions like the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) have been grounded by gross mismanagement through corruption in the ‘procurement of medical supplies’.

Currently, PSMAS chief executive officer, Dr. Farai Muchena and his executives including Victor Chaipa, Cosmas Mukwesha, and Polite Mugwagwa are before the courts for allegedly squandering US$702 386 meant for drug purchases. Nhau/Indaba