09 Apr 2017

Smartswitch Botswana was awarded the coupon system contract to deliver food ration for destitute persons, orphans and Community Home Based Care patients on April 1, 2008 for three years at a total cost of P14 858 844 using Smartcard technology.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Slumber Tsogwane said when the contract expired in March 2011, it was extended several times to ensure continuity of social protection services during the periods of procurement.

Responding to a question in Parliament, Mr Tsogwane said the delay in awarding a new contract was mainly due to failed tenders, which resulted in cancellations and prolonged negotiations for acceptable terms with preferred bidders.

Mr Tsogwane said that Smartswitch Botswana continued to give these services under a direct appointment of five months effective November 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 at a cost of P608 854.40 inclusive of Vat.

He noted that individual councils also pay Smartswitch Botswana per beneficiary serviced every month and on average, the total number of beneficiaries for the 16 councils was about 46 565. 

The number varies every month due to new registrations.

He noted that correct procurement procedures were followed as the extensions that had been done were authorised by the existing procurement structures such as PPADB and Ministerial Tender Committee.

Boteti East MP, Mr Sethomo Lelatisitswe had asked the minister to update the House on the Smartswitch contract for destitute person’s rations, why the contract was always extended by three to six months and how long this had been happening.

Mr Lelatisitswe also wanted to know which company was involved, how much had it been paid so far and to state whether correct procurement procedures were followed in procuring the service. ENDS