Harare, Zimbabwe – Aganang Furniture is embroiled in a controversy after allegedly defrauding the Department of Immigration of US$439,585. The issue revolves around tender IMM/T003/10/2023, which was awarded to Aganang Furniture for the supply of office furniture.
According to sub-paragraph GCC30 of the contract terms, the furniture was required to be delivered within two weeks of contract signing. However, despite the contract being signed on December 18, 2023, an audit conducted on May 14, 2024, revealed that the agreed-upon goods had not been supplied.
This failure to fulfill contractual obligations has sparked concerns regarding the Ministry’s oversight and operational efficiency. It not only violates the terms of the agreement but also undermines the Ministry’s efforts to ensure value for money in its procurement processes.
The stipulations of GCC30 clearly mandate timely delivery, making the non-delivery inexcusable. Despite this breach, there has been no apparent action taken by the Ministry to address the situation, suggesting potential weaknesses in contract monitoring and enforcement.
The lack of punitive measures or recovery plans raises serious questions about accountability and governance within the Ministry. The financial implications are substantial, and the operational efficiency of the Department of Immigration has been compromised due to the delay in procurement.
Immediate steps are necessary to rectify this situation, including initiating remedial actions against Aganang Furniture to prevent such breaches in the future. Strict enforcement of contract terms is essential to safeguard public funds and uphold the integrity of procurement practices.
The Ministry faces challenges in recovering the funds already paid to Aganang Furniture, complicating efforts to impose penalties or seek compensation. Urgent measures are required to mitigate these risks and ensure accountability in public spending.
