The United Republic of Tanzania plans to review its procurement legislation to close loopholes that make it possible for corrupt officials to profit from the public purse.
Addressing parliament
last year in the December session, minister of state Stephen Wassira, pledged
to take action to ensure items could not be purchased at inflated prices under
the law, which results in unreasonably high profit margins for suppliers. As
well as helping to reduce corruption, he said the more robust rules would boost
competitiveness among businesses looking to supply to government.
Announcing his
intention, Wassira, said: “The time has come to review the law. You can hide
under the law and steal according to the law. If we do not act now and
[instead] let corruption thrive, everything we buy or make will be substandard.
And if we continue like this we will erode development.”
Around 70 per cent of
the country’s development budget will be channelled through public sector
procurement. The minister used this to strengthen the case for ensuring
regulations are tight and robust.
Ends,
Post a Comment