Molale rubbishes Bothakga bribery claims
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday March 5, 2024 13:10
When addressing Parliament on Friday, Molale refuted what he called "malicious allegations" against Bothakga Burrow Botswana. In response to claims made by Maun East legislator, Goretetse Kekgonegile, who accused Bothakga Burrow Botswana of securing the contract through bribery, the minister rebuffed the allegation.
"I would like through this statement to rebuff such allegations and go on to brief this House on how the process or selection of DM was done," Molale said. He outlined that the procurement process began with an open and transparent pre-qualification stage in December 2022. Both local and international development managers were invited to express their interest, with 27 bidders responding out of 123 companies that collected the expression of interest (EOI). Evaluation occurred in March 2023, adhering to the Public Procurement Act (PPA).
The minister emphasised that the process ensured transparency, fairness, and competitiveness, with nine bidders meeting the eligibility criteria and progressing to the next stage. He added that to mitigate corruption risks, high-ranking public officers outside the Ministry of Transport and Public Works were appointed evaluators, and operating independently to maintain the process' integrity. Addressing the timing of the alleged bribery, Molale clarified that the purported donation occurred after the procurement process concluded.
He cast doubt on the authenticity of the evidence presented, suggesting it was obtained illegally. He cautioned against violating the law and damaging the reputation of implicated entities, urging Members of Parliament to refrain from making unfounded allegations. Furthermore, Molale underscored the importance of supporting citizen-owned companies and promoting their participation in international ventures.
He highlighted the role of Bothakga Burrow Botswana, a citizen-owned company with a reputable international presence, in contributing to the country's economic growth and development. Molale urged Parliament to dismiss the allegations against Bothakga Burrow Botswana, asserting that the procurement process was transparent and devoid of corruption. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering projects efficiently and effectively for the nation's benefit. Following the statement, opposition legislators rained questions on Molale, arguing they argued that they had every right to question where they suspect corruption is taking place.
The tabler of the question, Kekgonegile, said the donation cheque took place in August 2023 and quizzed when the company was appointed as DM. The Maun East Member of Parliament also asked the minister of the situation where P112 million was wasted in water works, the instance of Morupule B which led to the country losing huge sums of money, and another one that saw the country losing millions of pula in the failed Palapye glass project due to alleged corruption. “Are you saying as legislators we should just look away and not question?
Are you saying government tenders awarding legislators should not question when tenders given to those who sponsor the BDP? Are you saying political party donations should be a secret. What is wrong with stating it,” Kekgonegile quizzed. Palapye legislator, Onnetse Ramogapi, said they were asking questions because the company was getting many government tenders and they wondered why. He also said Whistleblowing Act provides for the revelation that was made about the donation. For his part, Nkange legislator, Nevah Tshabang said the Minister wanted to intimidate legislators through the statement so they would not question anything. Adding to the debate, Bobonong legislator, Taolo Lucas quizzed whether indeed the BDP received the said P700,000 from the company in question.
Motsamai Motsamai of Kgalagadi South quizzed on what they were to do to report what they suspected was corruption. He also asked if the Minister would continue bringing statements or it is just for Bothakga issue. Making his contribution, Mahalapye West MP, David Tshere quizzed Molale on when he knew about the donation and whether he learnt about it knew when he announced it. In response to the questions, Molale said his Ministry was accused of selling a tender. “You are asking irrelevant questions to what I said, all I wanted to make clear is that my Ministry does not sell tenders and I explained the process is auditable,” he said.