07 Mar 2019

Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA) has embarked on a journey to assess Central Transport Organisation (CTO) fuel points for possible leasing to the private sector.

The move was part of a process to implement government’s decision to look at the possibility of fueling government vehicles at private filling stations.

Speaking during his team’s tour of Lobatse CTO facilities on March 5, PEEPA director for public services outsourcing, Mr Ishmael Joseph said the journey of assessing CTO fuel points commenced last year. 

Mr Joseph said the objective was to ascertain their conditions and challenges as well as determine suitability of each fuel point for leasing.

He said they were hoping to finish the assessment process in July, adding that their findings about conditions, locations, and challenges of the fuel points would help them determine whether it was feasible to give facilities to private companies, and also to see whether the company that will be taking over will be able to operate smoothly and successfully.

“All I can say about this government fuel points is that all that I have visited so far are in good condition, even though they need some touches there and there. 

Also I have learnt that these fuel points face challenges like shortage of fuel or late supplies of fuel, which is why we are considering this idea of privatising them. 

“The fuel, which is used to travel to those fuel points could be used in doing something else. 

Also the moving up and down is costly and time consuming, so we found it fit for government vehicle to be fueled at any private filling stations near them to avoid costs and save time,” he said.

For his part, Lobatse CTO work superintendent Mr Mathata Tshoswane advised that a lot of research should be done concerning privatisation before any decision could be taken. ENDS