ACB to probe dubious fertiliser procurement deal
An Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe is on the cards, following a complaint that has been recorded concerning a dubious fertiliser procurement deal involving the ministry of agriculture and a UK firm, Barkaat Foods Limited.
Principal Public Relations officer at the ACB, Egrita Ndala, has confirmed that the bureau has received a complaint.
Ndala has stressed a team will soon be set up to look into the matter and establish whether to proceed with legal processes.
On Friday, Parliament revealed plans to summon the minister of agriculture and other officials to explain the alleged 30-billion kwacha fertiliser funds scam.
Whereas it is disputing the purported amount, a statement from the ministry admits that K750 million was paid to the London-based company for procurement of Affordable Input Programme – AIP fertiliser.
Barkaat Foods Limited is registered in the UK as a slaughterhouse whose line of business involves wholesale trade of meat, dairy products as well as fruits and juices.
Meanwhile, the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) has joined calls for the ACB to investigate and establish the truth regarding the allegations.