In a statement, the Chief Secretary to Government, Zangazanga Chiunda says the suspension is temporary.

“The temporary suspension is made in order to carry out a quick audit of prospective contracts, to ascertain a number of things including the transparency and credibility of the processes and procedures followed and decision made.

“This suspension is in line with the provision of the Corrupt Practice Act (2004), the Public Audit Act (2003), the Public Finance management Act (2003) and the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Act (2017) which aims at ensuring corruption-free and fair contract management and prudence in public financial management,” he said.

Chikhosi says “any institution wishing to award any contract should, for the time being, contact my office.”