AG Pursues Return of Funds from Absent Contractors

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has set out how government is pursuing the return of funds disbursed to suppliers that have failed to deliver on their contracts.

In an interview with ZNBC, Kabesha explained that there are institutions that have entered into contracts with government but either nothing came or they have delivered only a small portion of what was agreed.

“It means that they went into a contract to build a road and they have indicated 38km but they have done only 50 metres and they want to be paid the full amount. There are institutions that went into contract with government that they are going to deliver fertilizer. That they are going to deliver 250 metric tonnes but they have only delivered 15000 metric tonnes. That is what we call supplying air to the government,” Kabesha stated.

In response Kabesha says that auditing has been undertaken to determine how much is due with demand letters sent to contractors. In some instances, the funds have been returned but in others payments are still outstanding.

The AG has also called for an intensification of the fight against emerging trade-based money laundering threats while speaking at a workshop on the subject. Addressing participants Kabesha cited illegal wildlife trade, green corruption and the smuggling of precious metals, stones and cash as examples of emerging threats.

He also outlined Zambia’s progress in combatting trade-based money laundering, particularly through membership in regional anti-money laundering groups. He also highlighted the creation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Court in 2022.

Image source: Ministry of Justice