Grading Of Government Supplies in View

By Martin Nyirenda | Monday November 17, 2008 00:00

 

This PPADB initiative should influence the procurement systems in the country and provide a viable platform for economic empowerment of local entrepreneurs.

PPADB has already consulted the business community, procuring entities as well as some BOCCIM representatives before it makes recommendations.

Speaking at the PPADB consultative workshop on registration and grading of catering services providers last Friday in Gaborone, PPADB Executive Director, Mosimolodi Lefhoko said 'it is best practice that the actual recommendation for grading and coding is preceded by licensing through statutes'.

He said that PPADB wants to later introduce delineation of tenders and spatial localisation of tenders into the procurement system once the input of various stakeholders is completed.

Lefhoko further pointed out that the concept seeks to explore the possibilities of providing for localisation of some public tenders by restricting participation to prospective citizen builders, suppliers and service providers resident with in rural and urban areas.

He noted: 'This is also in line with the pursuit to empower local entrepreneurs pursuant to the intentions of Presidential Directive Cab 22 (a) of 2001'.

Lefhoko disclosed that the PPADB has partnered with the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) to prevent corruption in contract management, ethics and deterrence of unclean transactions.

'These include, but are not limited to, dealing with suspect fraudulent forms and certificates, bribery, managing declaration of interests, leakage of information versus confidentiality around tender documents, whistle-blowing and managing complaints'.

The workshop updated the participants on the provisions of various statues that have a bearing in the conduct and operation of catering services. Such statues include the Trade and Public Health Acts.

The provisions of these statues and other relevant laws of Botswana will set the tone for grading and coding of catering service providers.

The participants were informed that it is a requirement of the law that the PPADB should register contractors, suppliers and services.

Currently, the PPADB registration applies to medical suppliers, works contractors, works consultants and IT providers. Only works contractors are registered and graded by the PPADB.

Lefhoko conceded: 'The challenge we face is that service providers in the field of catering are not currently registered with PPADB, which is due to lack of criteria against which the service providers could be assessed. The recognition of this gap is the reason we have convened this consultative workshop'.

PPADB Divisional Manager, Ken Ketshajwang, said that spatial localisation of tenders is meant to promote citizen economic empowerment programmes.
He said they will report on each consultative meeting.