By Richard Kagunda

Kasungu, December 4, Mana: Principal Secretary for Department of Procurement and Supply Services, Chikumbutso Mtumodzi, has emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in procuring and supplying of government commodities saying this helps to prevent all forms of corruption.

Mtumodzi said this in Kasungu on Wednesday when he visited and inspected the works of Central Government Stores offices in the district.

He said his office has come up with an action plan that is geared to provide proper guidance on how workers under the department and other government institutions must conduct themselves during procuring and supplying of commodities.

"We are on tour checking sub-offices under the department to correct any anomalies that were there and appreciating the positive things therein so that the action plan that we have put in place works efficiently and becomes a success.

"Generally, works under the department are going on quite well as more people have realized that commodities procured from the department are of good prices and are recommended by the government," Mtumodzi said.

He added: "The action plan will enable workers in government institutions not to go astray when procuring and supplying. Soon we will be distributing leaflets containing all the information about us."

Supplies Assistant for Central Government Stores in Kasungu, Joseph Kalenje, said it is paramount for ministries, departments and agencies to be working hand in hand with his office thereby helping that government funds are not lost or exploited.

"It is paramount for them to be working with us because government money flows from one institution to the next and this is one way of combating crookedness and corruption.

"Besides that, when they work with us only one quotation is provided to them to procure several commodities which is not the case when they do the procurement with other departments outside government," Kalenje said.

He pointed out that one of the challenges the department faces is that most entities are not aware of their presence in the district and urged them to take note and open up to work with them.

The Department of Procurement and Supply Services was set up by an Act of Parliament to procure, manage and dispose of suppliers or assets required for public use in ministries, departments, and agencies.