The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has halted a proposed K3 billion purchase of 100 tarpaulins by the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc), as the public procurement regulator demands an explanation.
In a restriction notice dated 9 October 2026, Acting ACB Director General Gabriel Chembezi directed Admarc not to proceed with the procurement, or award a contract to Maiden Investment or any other company, without his written consent. The tender is listed under reference number ADMARC/NCB/TP/2026/2027/02.
Mr Chembezi confirmed the notice. It follows growing public scrutiny of Admarc's plan to award Maiden Investment a contract reportedly worth about K2.9 billion to K3 billion for 100 tarpaulins. The price has raised questions about the cost of the materials and how the tender was handled.
Regulator steps in
Acting Director General Timothy Kalemba of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) told MIJ Online that the authority played no part in Admarc's initial decision, as the corporation had acted within its own spending threshold.
But he said public concern over the cost had forced the authority to act. PPDA has sent Admarc a formal demand letter seeking a full explanation of the specifications behind the proposed purchase.
Mr Kalemba said the authority can intervene where a bid appears unrealistically high or low, making the price of the tarpaulins a matter for further scrutiny. He spoke at a PPDA media training workshop in Blantyre on 9 October 2026.
Two separate moves
The two interventions are separate. PPDA is seeking clarification of the specifications and cost. The ACB has restricted the process while it investigates a suspected offence under the Corrupt Practices Act.
The ACB has not disclosed the details of the suspected offence or the evidence.
The restriction notice does not establish that corruption occurred or that Maiden Investment did anything wrong.
