PPADB struggles to shrug off corruption claims
Isaac Pinielo | Thursday February 23, 2017 17:43
In an attempt to clear the air around these allegations, the PPADB held a capacity building workshop in Gaborone yesterday in which it took the media through the entire tendering process.
PPADB executive chairperson, Bridget John explained that they saw it fit to demystify tendering and address some misconceptions associated with public procurement.
She said it was unjustified for some people to assume that those who make decisions relating to tenders can choose to award tenders to their family members and friends.
“However, if anyone is aware of such practices they need to report those cases to the competent authority for appropriate action and thus assist in keeping tenders clean,” she said.
It was the expectation of the PPADB that the workshop would improve public education and confidence in the public procurement system.
“It will also enable the Board to appreciate the basis of perceptions held by some regarding public procurement for timely intervention by the Board,” John said.
Explaining the procurement processes, capacity building coordinator, Lady Botlhole said there are various stages in the procurement process which include identification of procurement activity, evaluation of tender, adjudication and awarding of tender, contract implementation, and review and evaluation.
“During the planning stage, the procuring entity’s roles include identification of items and their estimated cost, as well as packaging of items and selection of procurement method, and scheduling,” she said.
She also noted that there are several procuring methods that are available, being open bidding, restricted bidding for domestic or international, quotation proposals procurement, micro procurement and direct procurement.
“All these methods are available for works services including consultancy and supplies,” Botlhole said.
She also explained that the choice of the procurement method will be driven by either financial threshold or circumstances.
“Circumstances involve tenders for emergency situations, limitations of supply sources and contract extensions,” she said.