17 Oct 2022

The use of a price guide when evaluating tenders and making estimates could curb under quoting and inconveniences.

The recommendation was made by Ghanzi District Administration Tender Committee secretary, Mr Pako Tshekoetsile at a recent public finance management workshop for revenue collectors and procurement officers, which was organised by Accountant General Office – Revenue Office, in collaboration with office of the district commissioner.

Mr Tshekoetsile, who described under quoting as a fraudulent procurement practice, argued that the practice was usually a source of conflict in tendering process and came at a cost to government since it affected project delivery.

Equally, he said over pricing was a source of concern and hurt government purse.

He cautioned that when evaluating a tender, the committee responsible should interrogate the cost of each stage than just concentrate on the final costs because some contractors allocated the bulk of the money at the begging of a project.

Companies that usually did that, he warned, had a tendency to abandon work after the initial stage.

Mr Tshekoetsile advised procurement personnel to follow procurement plans to avoid buying at a time of discomfort and that accounting officers should monitor such plans.

When evaluating a tender and there is conflict of interest, there should be proper declaration, Mr Tshekoetsile said.

In cases the evaluation committee has no technical expertise, he said they had the power to co-opt an officer to help them on technical aspects, but that individual could not influence the committee to make a decision.

Mr Tshekoetsile said after buying a service, there should be feedback and an end of activity report should be completed.

He decried poor asset management, saying disposal plan were a source of concern because after public auctions or other means of asset disposal, inventories were seldom updated.

Mr Tshekoetsile advised that ledger cards and loan registers should be properly managed.  ENDS