Allexer Namundjembo
Landless People’s Movement (LPM) Member of Parliament Dawid Eigub has called on Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare to explain persistent delays in government payments to contractors and service providers, warning that the situation is threatening businesses and driving up the cost of public projects.
In a notice of question scheduled for the National Assembly, Eigub said there is growing concern over outstanding payments for work that has already been completed and certified by government institutions.
According to the lawmaker, some contractors have reportedly waited more than six months to receive payment.
“These delays have far-reaching consequences. Contractors are increasingly unable to meet payroll obligations, honour commitments to suppliers and subcontractors, or maintain operational cash flows without payment for extended periods,” Eigub said.
He noted that prolonged non-payment often leads to claims for interest, damages, extensions of time, and cost escalations, ultimately increasing project costs and placing additional pressure on the national fiscus.
Eigub also raised concerns about declining confidence in government procurement processes, saying many businesses now view payment systems as unpredictable and unreliable.
“There is a growing perception within the construction sector that government payment processes are unpredictable and unreliable, resulting in declining confidence among businesses seeking to participate in public procurement processes,” he said.
He further pointed to allegations that some contractors are being asked to make improper payments or provide inducements to expedite the processing of legitimate invoices.
Among the issues raised with the Prime Minister is the total value of outstanding payments owed by government offices, ministries, agencies, and state-owned enterprises for certified work already completed.
Eigub is also seeking a clear timeframe for settling outstanding obligations, as well as details on measures being implemented to better align project approvals, procurement commitments, budget allocations, and cash-flow management.
In addition, he wants the government to outline steps being taken to investigate allegations of corruption and undue influence in the processing of contractor invoices, and to detail reforms aimed at ensuring timely payments and restoring confidence in the state as a credible and reliable contracting partner.
Ngurare is expected to respond when the matter is tabled in Parliament next week.
Eigub’s concerns come months after Ngurare pledged stricter accountability measures for both contractors and public servants involved in state projects.
Speaking in the National Assembly in February, Ngurare warned that contractors and service providers who fail to meet agreed timelines or abandon government projects would no longer be tolerated.
“The same is true for those who are awarded tenders and are not performing according to agreed timelines or abandoning sites. Accountability will be the norm on our part,” he said.
Ngurare said the government is actively addressing bottlenecks that hinder the implementation of public projects and has already taken action against underperforming officials and service providers.
Since assuming office in March 2025, he said he has approved the discharge or demotion of several public servants across key ministries, including Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture; Health and Social Services; and Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.
“Other ministries are encouraged to institute similar disciplinary procedures should it be found that there are public servants committing acts which are contrary to our national aspirations for service delivery,” he said.
Ngurare also stressed the need for closer coordination between the executive, legislature, and private sector, urging government departments to align their efforts towards shared national objectives.
He reminded Members of Parliament of their oversight responsibilities, citing legislation such as the Public Procurement Act, the Anti-Corruption Act, and the State Finance Act as key instruments for promoting transparency, ethical governance, and the effective implementation of the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6).
“We know what these acts provide for and what constitutes their best application to achieve the best outcomes when NDP6 ends in 2030. As I have said before, the true spirit of the law must be applied in order to achieve justice,” Ngurare said.
“I believe laws are most effective when they are aligned with the social justice needs and priorities of the society they apply to, because that speaks to humanity, development, and equality.”
