PPADB Opens Office In Francistown

Pini Bothoko | Monday January 25, 2016 14:14

PPADB has been operating from one office in Gaborone since its establishment back in 2002.

Delivering the welcome remarks, the executive chairperson of PPADB, Bridget John, said the company made the decision to grow their presence in the north of the country to serve customers effectively.

John also said PPADB intends to partner with the city through its Vision 2022 in transforming Francistown into a vibrant city.

“I am confident that this office can unlock economic activities for this region therefore we promise to partner with the city leadership in achieving this vision.

bWith this office we want to embrace customer feedback and meet expectations of the business community here,” said John.

The Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Kenneth Matambo, said it was government’s pursuit to bring services closer to Batswana by opening this office in Francistown and also to improve customer service.

He said while his ministry is aware of PPADB’s desire to establish satellite offices in some regions, the economic downturn necessitated that this initiative be put on hold until the situation has improved.

“I am pleased that we have finally managed to secure funding to establish the much-awaited Francistown office.

I am informed that the office will provide contractor registration and associated services, certification of documents, tender opening for some projects in the north, compliance monitoring, capacity building and general support to the district administration tender committees in the northern region,” said Matambo.

He said that the long distances travelled by customers to seek services at the Gaborone office will be reduced through the opening of this office.

Matambo said for now government cannot establish offices across the country hence calling upon Batswana to make full use of the online services provided by PPADB and avoid unnecessary congestion and costly trips to the company’s offices.

Matambo said PPADB has a big and sensitive mandate as public procurement is a competitive undertaking that creates winners and losers as not all companies that bid can win tenders.