By Patson Chilemba
President Hakainde Hichilema fired Dr George Magwende as Ministry of Health permanent secretary (administration) for signing a contract for the construction of Covid-hospitals worth over US$100 million.
Well placed sources in the Ministry of Health and senior officials in the UPND administration have told Daily Revelation that President Hakainde Hichilema was upset with Dr Magwende for allegedly going against procedure in the awarding of the contract.
“He has been fired over a contract he signed without following proper procedure for $100 million,” multiple sources have told Daily Revelation. “It was in that region. It was a matter that was already brewing in the past but he quickly pushed for the construction of the Covid hospitals. The construction of Covid hospitals when Covid is ending.”
The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has summoned Dr Magwende for questioning over matters they say they have been investigating him on for a while.
President Hichilema yesterday fired Dr Magwende, who at the time of his firing was said to be coming from an assignment in Livingstone.
“What we know is that he was required in the office the following day at 08:00 hours, but on his way to Lusaka from Livingstone, he was informed of his dismissal,” sources said.
