Delayed Procurement Threatens Services

.. As Government and ZIPS urge local authorities to act swiftly to ensure timely delivery of public projects and development outcomes.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (26 March 2026) -- The Zambian government and the Zambia Institute of Purchasing and Supply (ZIPS) have warned that delayed procurement continues to threaten service delivery and national development, calling on procurement committees, particularly in local authorities, to act swiftly.

Wisdom Bwalya, Permanent Secretary Special Duties at Cabinet, representing Patrick Kangwa, Secretary to the Cabinet, said at the 2026 Annual Procurement Committee Training Workshop hosted by ZIPS that local authorities, boards, and procurement committees must embrace timely and accountable decision-making.

Bwalya noted that procurement delays remain a significant constraint across government institutions, state-owned enterprises, local authorities, and development partner-funded programs.bdx  

“Projects are approved in principle but stall in process. Budgets are allocated but not converted into impact. Opportunities are identified but not executed on time,” he said, echoing Kangwa’s message.

He highlighted that despite decentralization, local authorities face challenges in translating devolved authority into faster procurement decisions.

Approval bottlenecks and limited capacity continue to slow service delivery at the community level.

While emphasizing the importance of compliance, transparency, and accountability, Bwalya cautioned against allowing these principles to cause paralysis. Delays increase contractor risk premiums, postpone services, and erode institutional credibility.

“In some cases, the cost of indecision is greater than the risk of making a well-considered, accountable decision,” he said.

Bwalya urged procurement committees to see procurement as a strategic enabler of development, not merely an administrative task. “

Procurement committees are strategic decision-making bodies. Boards shape institutional risk appetite, while CEOs and controlling officers are accountable for performance outcomes,” he added.

He encouraged participants to actively engage in the two-day workshop, identify bottlenecks, and propose actionable reforms that reduce procurement cycle times without compromising integrity.

ZIPS President Daniel Kabamba echoed the call for “responsible speed” in procurement. “Procurement systems exist to enable service delivery, not delay development. Compliance is mandatory, but unnecessary delays are unacceptable,” he said.

Kabamba noted that the workshop, themed “Accelerating Procurement Decisions: Unlocking National Development and Value Creation Across Public, Private, and Development Sectors,” addresses challenges such as stalled decisions, unnecessary approval layers, and the cost of indecision.

He stressed that local authorities are critical in delivering essential services, including roads, markets, water and sanitation systems, schools, health infrastructure, and community projects.

“Decisions deliver development. Delayed decisions deny communities benefits they urgently need. Follow the law, respect procedures, but ensure procurement moves with urgency, professionalism, and purpose,” Kabamba said.

He added that procurement speed is also a matter of governance and accountability. Unjustified delays result in incomplete infrastructure, stalled projects, and reduced citizen confidence.

Kabamba encouraged participants to actively share experiences and embrace the principle of “speed with compliance” to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.

ZIPS Registrar Henry Lukwesa described the workshop as a platform for reflection and honest engagement among procurement officials.

“While processes exist, timely decision-making remains a challenge. This workshop encourages participants to share experiences and explore practical ways to improve procurement within their institutions,” he said.

Targeting local authorities, the workshop brought together council secretaries, town clerks, procurement committee members, and heads of procurement from various institutions.

Lukwesa emphasized that these engagements aim to foster more responsive, coordinated, and effective procurement practices.

He assured participants that ZIPS is committed to supporting institutions through capacity building, professional guidance, and the strengthening of standards.

“The discussions ahead will be meaningful and solution-oriented,” Lukwesa said.

He expressed confidence that the workshop would improve procurement efficiency and enhance service delivery at the local level.

The workshop brings together council secretaries, town clerks, procurement committee members, and senior management teams nationwide, aiming to strengthen governance, value creation, and service delivery.