By Arnold Tutu
Finance and National Planning Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE says government is taking steps to strengthen the Public–Private Partnership –PPP- framework in order to improve oversight and safeguard public value in infrastructure projects.
In a statement to ZNBC news, Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said the move follows public concern over the performance of some road projects being implemented under the PPP model.
He said the concerns, raised by stakeholders including the Engineering Institution of Zambia, reflect public expectations for durable, safe and cost-effective infrastructure.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE noted that scrutiny of such projects is an important part of accountability, as roads play a key role in supporting economic activity and connecting communities to essential services.
He, however, said it is important to distinguish between the PPP model itself and challenges linked to supervision, execution and enforcement.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said government remains confident that, when properly structured and managed, PPPs are an effective tool for mobilising private investment, accelerating project delivery and sharing risk.
He said the focus is now on strengthening legal, technical and institutional systems to ensure better outcomes across all projects.
The minister said reforms under consideration include introducing independent technical oversight as a standard requirement, to ensure quality, adherence to timelines and protection of long-term public value.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE added that no major works should proceed without credible supervision arrangements.
He also said value for money remains central to all PPP projects, with emphasis on affordability, quality, timely delivery and proper risk allocation.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE explained that under PPP arrangements, private partners remain responsible for defects and maintenance throughout the concession period, reducing the financial burden on government.
He further said PPP projects also allow government to benefit from revenue-sharing arrangements and tax income.
The minister said government will also improve transparency and accountability by making project structures clearer and ensuring that responsibilities are well defined from design to implementation and maintenance.
And Dr. MUSOKOTWANE noted that Zambia has made significant progress in its debt restructuring programme, with agreements covering over 94 percent of claims.
He said PPPs have helped ease pressure on the Treasury by attracting private capital, allowing government to direct limited resources to other priority sectors.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said government remains committed to strengthening partnerships with the private sector while ensuring that infrastructure projects deliver lasting benefits to the public.
