The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has resolved to extend its inquiry into the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal by one month to allow engagement with key stakeholders who were not initially consulted.
The committee is probing the K128.7 billion acquisition of the Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF), a transaction that has drawn intense public and political scrutiny.
The decision to extend the inquiry follows mounting pressure, particularly from the government side, which on Tuesday insisted that the committee should not present its report without first summoning former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Colleen Zamba, and officials from Yusuf Investments.
PAC Chairperson, Steven Malondera, confirmed the development, saying the extension will allow the committee to ensure all relevant voices are heard before concluding its work.
Malondera acknowledged that the inquiry has attracted significant public attention and “background noise,” but declined to provide further details, indicating he had been advised not to comment extensively on the matter.
He, however, defended the committee’s conduct, maintaining that PAC acted within its mandate throughout the investigation and did not engage in any wrongdoing.
The chairperson expressed confidence that the committee will finalize its work within the additional month, dismissing suggestions to establish an ad hoc committee to take over the probe as unfair.
Malondera also emphasized that he remains apolitical in handling the inquiry, stressing the importance of maintaining professionalism and objectivity.
Meanwhile, First Deputy Speaker, Victor Musowa, confirmed that the committee’s initial report has been withdrawn to pave the way for further investigations.
Musowa said PAC will continue its work during the extension period, with expectations that a more comprehensive report will be produced after all key stakeholders have been engaged.
The latest development signals a shift in the handling of one of the country’s most closely watched parliamentary investigations, as lawmakers seek to address gaps and restore public confidence in the process.
