I am not sure GRZ was prepared for the negative press surrounding the award of a contract to value Zamtel assets to RP Capital of the Cayman Islands.
Once again the country is grateful to the POST for breaking this story on 6th February. This is definitely a story GRZ would not have wanted to see the light of day.
The privatisation of Zamtel is always an emotive story but it has been spiked by the manner in which the contract was awarded and also the cloud of secrecy surrounding the deal. There are genuine issues this sad story raises.
Why was the contract awarded to RP Capital without following laid down Tender procedures? One would have expected such a contract to be advertised widely and bids invited from a wide range of organisations.
I know a number of Zambians have views and ideas on how Zamtel can be rejuvenated and prepared for eventual privatisation. However, it seems GRZ has not made an effort to engage this community and solicit input into this matter.
Zamtel is a key asset if Zambia is to achieve rapid economic growth and start fighting the high levels of poverty afflicting our people. It controls the only international telecommunications gateway and handles all voice and fax calls on landlines. In addition to this, Zamtel has potentially profitable operations in the Internet service provision and Mobile telephony. Given this scenario, GRZ would not have problem finding buyers to take over these units even in the current economic environment.
I welcome the decision of the acting Chief Justice to constitute a tribunal as stipulated by our constitution to investigate the allegations levelled against the Hon. Minister. It is important that such a tribunal is able to carryout a thorough and professional job. However, the people of Zambia will not accept findings of the tribunal which do not seem to be backed by evidence.
This event is also a test to the new president. How does he handle perceived wrong doing and corruption by one of his ministers? So far he has stood firmly behind Miss Siliya. But for how long? Allegations seem to be increasing by the day.
Once again the country is grateful to the POST for breaking this story on 6th February. This is definitely a story GRZ would not have wanted to see the light of day.
The privatisation of Zamtel is always an emotive story but it has been spiked by the manner in which the contract was awarded and also the cloud of secrecy surrounding the deal. There are genuine issues this sad story raises.
Why was the contract awarded to RP Capital without following laid down Tender procedures? One would have expected such a contract to be advertised widely and bids invited from a wide range of organisations.
I know a number of Zambians have views and ideas on how Zamtel can be rejuvenated and prepared for eventual privatisation. However, it seems GRZ has not made an effort to engage this community and solicit input into this matter.
Zamtel is a key asset if Zambia is to achieve rapid economic growth and start fighting the high levels of poverty afflicting our people. It controls the only international telecommunications gateway and handles all voice and fax calls on landlines. In addition to this, Zamtel has potentially profitable operations in the Internet service provision and Mobile telephony. Given this scenario, GRZ would not have problem finding buyers to take over these units even in the current economic environment.
I welcome the decision of the acting Chief Justice to constitute a tribunal as stipulated by our constitution to investigate the allegations levelled against the Hon. Minister. It is important that such a tribunal is able to carryout a thorough and professional job. However, the people of Zambia will not accept findings of the tribunal which do not seem to be backed by evidence.
This event is also a test to the new president. How does he handle perceived wrong doing and corruption by one of his ministers? So far he has stood firmly behind Miss Siliya. But for how long? Allegations seem to be increasing by the day.
Zambia shall be saved!
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