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 Chemplex Corporation, a manufacturer of water treatment chemicals has called on the government to intervene as the City of Harare is reluctant to buy chemicals from the company preferring to import from outside.
The local water chemicals firm which owns ZimPhos says the city fathers are reluctant to procure chemicals from local manufacturing concerns.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Samson Kuchera says the City of Harare is crippling the company’s operations as it was supposed to be their biggest client while it also owes them millions of dollars.
Mr Kuchera says they have the technical capacity to produce enough chemicals for Harare and other major local authorities if they get the necessary support.
“It is unfortunate for the city and country in general, when Harare City Council compromises water treatment by not exploiting readily-available capacity at ZimPhos. We have the technical capacity to produce enough chemicals but for unknown reasons they still want to import, something has to be done urgently,” said Mr Kuchera.
He said it is worrying that council opted for unknown suppliers ahead of the government-bankrolled manufacturer.
Harare City Council spokesperson, Mr Leslie Gwindi says the city council is discussing with the company.
He said they do not discuss critical issues such as water treatment in the public domain.
According to a recent report, the Harare City Council defended its position saying it is their policy that procurement of goods and services, including water treatment chemicals go through a tender process.
The report says the awarding of tenders takes into consideration competitive pricing.
This implied that ZimPhos should go through the tender process like any other bidder.
It further explains that the tender for water treatment chemicals has specific requirements and companies that do not meet the requirements will not be considered.
The Harare City Council uses US$3 million a month for water treatment chemicals.
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