By Christopher Chisi

The Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply has observed with concern that one of the major challenges affecting the government procurement systems is the failure to adhere to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, on the need to appoint a contract manager when undertaking a contract.

According to the Public Procurement Act, a contract manager has to be appointed to oversee the construction works once a contract has been signed by concerned parties.

ZISP President Chibwe Mwelwa is concerned that despite the Procurement Act being clear on the need to appoint a contract manager, most contractors in some government procurement systems usually work without a contract manager. 

Zips President Chibwe Mwelwa stress that failure to appoint a contract manager contributes to poor quality works and has since emphasized the need to adhere to good procurement practices.