Molefhi Oblivious Of Morupisi's Procurement Meddling Allegations
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Monday April 1, 2019 15:08
Molefhi told Parliament on Friday that he has not received any reports suggesting that the PSP was interfering with the government system of awarding tenders through the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB).
His remarks followed a question by Member of Parliament for Gaborone North Haskins Nkaigwa on the issue of unsatisfactory project implementation by government departments raised by MP for Francistown West Ignatius Moswaane.
Nkaigwa had asked the minister to explain the role of the PSP in awarding government tenders.
Nkaigwa indicated that there have been allegations that the PSP has interfered in the procurement systems so that tenders are awarded to companies which he has interest in.
“What is his hand in awarding of government tenders? There has been an instance where a certain company was awarded a project and only for that project to be pulled back and awarded to another company despite it being the highest bid. It is because the PSP was benefiting,” Nkaigwa said.
Nkaigwa said there is no transparency in awarding tenders, which gives people with authority such as the PSP the opportunity to manipulate the system.
However, Molefhi told Parliament that he was not aware that the PSP is interfering in the tender awarding process.
“I am not aware if such a thing is happening. But I will advise the Honourable member to report to the DCEC if there is any mischief,” he said.
Morupisi was on the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) radar for possible corruption in relation to shady dealings at Capital Management Botswana (CMB).
However, it was recently reported that he has been cleared from the corruption-busting agency’s radar.