By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
HONEYBEE Pharmacy Limited has filed a lawsuit against the State demanding payment of over US$17 million being monies expected from the contract for the supply of medical kits and products to the Ministry of Health.
The company claims that the State pays US$4, 998, 375 for the 5, 000 out of the 22, 500 health centre kits supplied pursuant to the contract.
Honeybee is claiming damages for breach of contract number MOH/SP/032/19-02, and an order that the State accepts the remainder of the health kits.
It also wants interest on the said sums as per contract until final settlement and exemplary and aggravated damages.
According to documents filed in the Lusaka High Court by lawyer Tutwa Ngulube, Honeybee contended that in November 2019, it and the Ministry of Health entered into a written contract to import, supply and deliver 22, 500 kits.
It stated that the contract was approved by the Attorney General and endorsed by the Ministry on behalf of Government. Honeybee claims that the deal was worth US$17, 958, 150..
Honeybee said that on various dates between January and December 2020, it supplied to the ministry 5, 000 out of the 22, 500 which were all subjected to examination and verification by ZAMRA and ZAMSA.
It added that certificates of acceptance of the goods under various invoices were issued and various delivery notes of US$3, 990, 700 at the time of delivery together with 25 percent interest.
Honeybee stated that shockingly when the remaining 17, 500 health centre kits were due for delivery, the government refused to accept the same and instead used ZAMRA to harass the company and eventually revoked the pharmaceutical licence.
