Summary

SAI Zambia conducted an audit of the procurement, award and administration of contracts at the Road Development Agency (RDA). Auditors also assessed the quality of the constructed roads and other related infrastructure for compliance with design and contract specifications. The audit covered the period from January 2017 to December 2022. SAI Zambia identified the following systemic violations: - RDA's failure to settle contractors’ and consultants’ bills due to violations of the Public Procurement Regulations and exceeding budgeted amounts; - delayed construction works due to the absence of essential designs, drawings, and official authorization due to RDA's delay in engaging supervising consultants; - failure to prepare final accounts after contract termination; - inadequate asset management; - non adherence to project specifications, resulting in contract overpayments. SAI Zambia made recommendations to the RDA to improve financial planning, re-evaluate future contract commitments to reduce budget burden, timely engage consultants before the commencement of any works by the contractor, ensure accountability and improve quality assurance systems, as well as properly document terminated projects.