PPADB cracks whip on contractors
Isaac Pinielo | Friday January 9, 2015 15:42
For the first time since the establishment of the code of conduct, PPADB delisted a contractor called Kentz Botswana last year, while the other contractor, Mylan Laboratories received a warning.
According to PPADB executive chairperson Bridget John, the action on the two companies, was taken following recommendations by the disciplinary committee.
She noted that the committee made the recommendations after receiving submissions from procuring entities to either de-list or suspend eight contractors. “The committee considered the submissions and referred five of them back to the procuring entities to provide additional information while one is still under consideration by the committee,” she said.
John further indicated that by March last year, the committee had submitted recommendations on two contractors to the board, which resulted in one being de-listed and the other being warned.
Meanwhile, the executive chairperson had earlier warned that a suspension and delisting committee is in place to investigate any wrongdoing by contractors. She pointed out that the PPADB board would investigate and suspend or de-list contractors and their affiliated parties found guilty of bribery, taking kickbacks, collusion, fronting, conflict of interest, uncompetitive and unfair dealing, unprofessional conduct and incompetence. Contractors also face disciplinary measures in the event they fail to adhere to PPADB’s safety, health and environmental regulations.
“The procuring entities are required to report any cases of poor performance and unethical behaviour by contractors to the suspension and delisting committee of the board. The suspension and delisting regulations have been promulgated. What is lagging behind is the Code of Conduct to give it legal effect. We expect this to be done in not too long a time,” said John.
The committee is provided for in the 2002 PPAD Act that empowers the board to keep a register of all contractors and maintain discipline within them.
At its unveiling last year, the PPADB’s new disciplinary regime was poorly received by contractors who accused the board of being quick to crack the whip but slow to address systemic issues in the industry.
The executive chairperson bemoaned the slow Internet speed in the country, stating that it had impacted negatively on the tender registration process. She reiterated that despite the notable progress made by PPADB last year, there were challenges experienced relating to online contractor registration.
In addition, John said there was also low computer literacy of the contracting community as well as ineffective communication between PPADB and contractors affecting registration process and resulting in delays in the processing of applications.
The executive chairperson noted that the board is currently automating PPADB through the implementation of the Integrated Procurement Management System (IPMS) project. “The key objective of the IPMS is to improve overall efficiency of the PPADB. The project is being implemented in two phase: milestone 1 being the contractor registration module, while milestone 2 includes the modules such as ITT vetting, E-binding, adjudication, dispute resolutions and capacity building,” she explained.