Technology and telecommunications investor Dzvetero is contesting the manner in which Chinese firm Huawei Technologies was awarded a $290 million tender for 2,000 base stations for NetOne.
Muguti argues that the SPB did not follow laid down procedures and violated the Procurement Act. Muguti’s application cites the SPB, NetOne, Huawei Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission as the first, second, third and fourth respondents.
His founding affidavit argues that the awarding of the tender to Huawei should be set aside if the SPB fails to issue a statement justifying their decision to award the tender to the Chinese firm. He also says the ZACC should launch investigations into the circumstances leading to Huawei being awarded the tender.
“Applicant company has a legitimate expectation of participating in procurement proceedings conducted by first respondent on behalf of second respondent or any other entity for services that applicant has the capacity to provide. It is applicant’s contention that this is only a tip of the ice-berg, which full ice-berg can only be exposed with the assistance of the fourth respondent whose main task is to combat corruption but seems to be doing nothing towards that goal in so far as it relates to the first, second and third respondents. It is submitted that by failing to go for public tender, applicant was denied an opportunity to do business,” reads Muguti’s affidavit.
The State Procurement Board was established to provide the public with an open and transparent platform for procurement opportunities with the Government of Zimbabwe.
Post published in: News