GOVERNMENT has cancelled all agreements and contracts relating to loans, guarantees, concessions, Public Private Partnerships, Civil Works, ICT Solutions and for the Supply of Goods and Services entered into after the declaration of Hakainde Hichilema as President-Elect.

In a circular dated August 20, Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba said following the declaration of President-Elect Hichilema, all contracts government entered into were null and void, unless cleared through the Office of the Accountant General.

Yamba said if any payments were made, they must be cleared through the Office of the Accountant General with immediate effect.

“Following the declaration of President-Elect Mr Hakainde Hichilema as duly elected President of the 2021 Presidential Election on Monday, 16th August, 2021, I wish to advise that all Agreements and Contracts relating to Loans, Guarantees, Concessions, Public Private Partnerships, Civil Works, ICT Solutions and for the Supply of Goods and Services to government entered into after the declaration are null and void unless cleared by my office through the Office of the Accountant General. If any payments have been made thereof, they must be cleared by my office through the Office of the Accountant General with immediate effect,” said Yamba.

“This is in accordance with the provisions of the Public Finance Act No. 1 of 2018 Section 7(1)(z) which states that the Secretary to the Treasury ‘shall carry out any functions that may be prescribed by the Minister or that may be considered reasonably necessary for proper financial management of the Republic.’ Further addresses are expected to submit income and expenditure returns for the period 16th August to 25th August, 2021. All addresses are reminded that failure to comply with the contents of this Circular constitutes financial misconduct as prescribed under section 49(1) of the Public Finance Management Act No. 1 of 2018. This circular shall remain in effect until further notice and supersedes all letters of clearance issued during the period starting 16th August, 2021.”