As long as the the UPND’s fight against corruption leaves out some sacred cows, it remains a mirage. Nothing more and nothing less. Fertilizer procurement represents one of the most entrenched aspects of corruption that occurred under the PF regime. A thoroughly executed process of investigation will easily reveal that this was the hub of corruption. Both the former minister of Agriculture and senior officers in the ministry responsible for agriculture benefitted from the entrenched corruption that has long plagued this arm of government procurement.In clear terms, the deal to supply fertilizer became a preserve of the privileged few. These became so powerful and literally created a cartel. They determined the minister’s and the ministry’s decisions at all costs. A glimpse into this trench points to hardcore influence that stems from connections with the highest echelons of power.
Without a doubt one of the most powerful players that emerged out of this fertilizer is a company known as ETG Export Trading Group Limited. At the pinnacle of the enterprise is a Dubai based tycoon who enjoyed the patronage of the Lungu presidency. On the local front, this company caused great havoc via the activities of an officer of the company only identified as Rejendra. In the end, it became the ultimate darling of the fallen regime. Records will show that ETG continues to dominate fertilizer contracts that were corruptly structured as rolling over.
Being alive to the change of guard via the August 12th General election, the notorious ETG has swiftly moved one. The efficacy of the one Rejendra has once again come to the party. ZIN understands that the company has already co-opted the support of key UPND stalwarts including the party’s secretary general, Batuke Imenda. This quick moves are also connecting officers under the presidency at state house. ETG has been lurking and it is succeeding at guaranteeing its continued dominance of fertilizer procurement or supply.
A ZIN source remarks that there shall be no credence rendered to the fight against corruption as long as ETG’s corruptly granted contracts are not subjected to review and investigation. Sources are pertubed to learn that ETG has quickly wrapped its fingers around the new president’s men. Deeper details around these escapades are not the focus of this piece but will be reviewed tomorrow. In the mean time, as long as the likes of ETG are not made to account for the blatant corruption under the PF, Zambians are stuck with another set of thieves on another day. Watch out for part 2.
