The Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) has suspended Multiplex Contractors and Supplies Limited from participating in public tenders for one year, effective October 3, 2024.

ZPPA Assistant Public Relations Officer, Lucy Lumbe, stated that the suspension followed a recommendation from the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) after Multiplex submitted a fraudulent NAPSA Compliance Certificate in a bid.

The tender in question, issued on March 1, 2024, involved external painting and renovations of three cottages and a clinic at Mosi-oa-Tunya House in Livingstone.

During the evaluation, it was discovered that the NAPSA certificate submitted by Multiplex had an incorrect expiry date, prompting an investigation.

“Investigations revealed that NAPSA did not issue the certificate. The certificate’s expiry date was altered from March 31, 2024, to June 30, 2024, making it fraudulent,” Lumbe explained.

The suspension, in accordance with Section 96(b) of the Public Procurement Act, extends to any entity connected to Multiplex, including successors or related partners.