Escom has canceled the recently published procurement for demolition of the burnt Escom house in Blantyre. The contract, priced at K675 million, has been canceled due to “concerns that have been raised by the general public”, according to a cancellation statement that has been released.

An uproar from citizens made noise, mostly questioning the price of the demolition contract. However, Escom has said that the contract placement followed procurement protocol and the notification in the newspaper was a gesture of transparency. The statement reads, “The notification in the newspapers was meant to ensure transparency and accountability in the procurement process prior to any contract award as required by the (Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets) Act”

The same Act however, in section 46(b) states that procurement proceedings can be canceled out of public interest, to which Escom is abiding to. The statement concludes, “The concerns raised are being addressed and the general public shall be informed of any developments to that effect”, signed by Escom CEO, Aliexon Chiwaya.