Bid rigging affects economy—CFTC

The Competition and Fair Trading Commission (CFTC) says bid rigging in public procurement is affecting the country’s economy as about 80 percent of all economic activities are from government.

In his remarks during this year’s commemorations of World Competition Day in Blantyre last week, CFTC board chairperson Daniel Dunga said taxpayers are paying more for products and services because of bid rigging.

“Public procurement affects our lives on a daily basis as the public sector controls a lot of money, our unawareness allows individuals with position of advantage to rig public procurement for their own benefit,” he said.

For his part, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism Principal Secretary Ken Ndala said following guidelines in any trade ensures fairness, quality of the products and services that the country gets, and at the same time, boosts the economy.

“It [guidelines] ensures that there is value for our money as well as boosts our economy as money is used for the intended purpose and does not end up in individual pockets,” he said.

In her remarks, CFTC executive director Charlotte Wezi Malonda said following the rules of the game will see prices of our goods and services going down and quality improving.