CSOs ask for next course of action on contracts suspension

The Open Contracting Multi-Stakeholders Group has commended the government for suspending all contracts, but the group has called for an update on the next course of action.

Addressing journalists last week, the group stated that since more than 50% of the national budget goes into procurement, there is a need to ensure that the processes are transparent. Also on the day, the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation executive director Michael Kaiyatsa called for the  implementation of the Access to Information law that will enhance transparency in the procurement processes in the public sector as people will be free to access information.

In 2016, parliament passed the access to information bill that would allow Malawians to access information with ease, but the government is yet to implement it. There has been further delay in implementing the access to information bill which effectively grants the media and other players enhanced freedom to access information.

Since then, there has been further delay in implementing the access to information bill which effectively grants the media and other players enhanced freedom to access information.