ZRA to favour local suppliers

Thu, 15 Dec 2016 14:44:10 +0000

By BUUMBA CHIMBULU

ALL procurements in the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) should be preferred and reserved for local bidders, commissioner general, Kingsley Chanda has directed.

According the ZRA corporate communications manager Oliver Nzala, Mr Chanda has directed that all procurements at the Authority must be reserved specifically for Zambian citizens.

In an internal memo dated 14th December, 2016 addressed to the director of administration, Mr Chanda stated that Zambian registered companies should be given preference to supply goods, works and services to ZRA provided they were fully tax compliant and capable of fulfilling the contract mandate and obligations.

He said the directive was in line with Section 26 (3), (4) and (6) of the Public Procurement Act No. 12 of 2008 for goods, works and services while Section 28 (3), (4) and (6) provide for consulting services.

“Goods, works and services may be subject to a reservation scheme, consistent with the governments’ economic and social policy in line with regulations 160 Statutory Instrument No. 63 of 2011,” Mr Chanda said.

Mr Chanda explained that Zambian companies would be given first priority to deal with ZRA but should be registered with the Authority and paying all taxes.

He, however, said foreign companies with local partners would be considered where local capacity was not available.