Harare, Zimbabwe – Aganang Furniture has been found to have defrauded the Department of Immigration to the tune of US$439,585. The controversy centers around tender IMM/T003/10/2023, awarded to Aganang Furniture for the supply of office furniture.
Despite the clear stipulations under sub-paragraph GCC30, which mandates the delivery of office furniture within two weeks post-contract signing, Aganang Furniture has failed to deliver the agreed-upon goods.
The contract was officially signed on December 18, 2023, and as of the audit date on May 14, 2024, there was no evidence of the furniture being delivered.
This breach of contract has raised significant concerns regarding the efficiency and oversight within the Ministry.
The failure to deliver the office furniture not only contravenes the terms of the agreement but also jeopardizes the potential value for money for the Ministry.
The clause under GCC30 is explicit in its requirement, highlighting that the delivery period is non-negotiable.
Despite this clear breach, there appears to have been no remedial action taken by the Ministry to address the non-delivery. This inaction further exacerbates the situation, indicating possible lapses in the monitoring and enforcement mechanisms of the contract.
The absence of any punitive measures or recovery plans raises questions about the accountability and governance within the Ministry.
The table below outlines the key details of the contract and the subsequent breach:
| Tender Number | Supplier | Contract Date | Delivery Deadline | Audit Date | Amount Paid | Delivery Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMM/T003/10/2023 | Aganang Furniture | December 18, 2023 | January 1, 2024 | May 14, 2024 | US$439,585 | Not Delivered |
The non-delivery of the office furniture not only represents a significant financial loss but also disrupts the operational efficiency of the Department of Immigration, which relies on timely procurement to function effectively.
The Ministry must urgently address this issue by initiating remedial actions against Aganang Furniture and ensuring that such breaches are not repeated in the future. The enforcement of contract terms is crucial in safeguarding public funds and maintaining the integrity of procurement processes.
As the situation stands, the Ministry is at risk of not realizing the value for money due to the contractor’s failure to fulfill their obligations. Full payment has already been made, further complicating the potential recovery of funds or enforcement of penalties.
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