10 Mar 2020

Low adherence to procurement plans is a major concern, PPADB executive chairperson, Mr Elijah Motshedi has said.

Speaking during PPADB media briefing in Gaborone on Monday, Mr Motshedi said delays in the initiation of procurement, evaluation of tenders and contracting discredited the procurement system.

“Delays in disciplining contractors due to contractor’s tactics and poor record-keeping by procuring entities also persists. Poor scooping also remains a challenge,” said Mr Motshedi.

He said internet connectivity, accessibility and availability of suitable ICT infrastructure and equipment slowed down the IPMS roll out.

Mr Motshedi further pointed out that virement of funds by some procuring entities after the award of tenders of initiation of procurement discredited the procurement system.

He said the poor record-keeping by board committees hindered the timely submission of reports of PPADB adding that the absence of district tender committee secretaries continued to be a concern.

“Late payment of suppliers by some procuring entities also result in inflated tender prices as contractors seek to mitigate cash flow problem,” he said.

In an effort to overcome some of the challenges, he said PPADB engaged the World Bank, through a reimbursable advisory service, signed between the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED). 

He said this would help to review PPADB training material to support and strengthen capacity building in Botswana. 

Mr Motshedi said the World Bank consultancy to draw the best practice and streamline the procurement of textbooks was complete while the new process would be effected in the current financial year.

PPADB also introduced Tip-off Anonymous Service aimed at ensuring that all employees and stakeholders feel supported in reporting matters they suspect may involve improper, unethical or inappropriate conduct in procurement and asset disposal.

For her part, PPADB executive director-services, Ms Tumelo Motsumi, said the media briefing came in the wake of the recent announcement by the finance minister, Dr Thapelo Matsheka that there plans to amend the PPADB Act in order to improve the efficiency of the procurement process.

She explained that the amendment sought to close the existing gaps to ensure that a robust and improved procurement and asset disposal system was in place to meet the aspirations of the nation, resulting in value for money procurement. Ends