Storm brews over tennis courts� refurbishment
Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday May 18, 2017 12:08
The tennis courts were refurbished for P150,000 from the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Grand Slam Development Fund. The funds were released to BTA in 2015 and the contractor was appointed in December 2016.
BTA public relations officer, Shelton Benzah told Mmegi Sport that they are in the process of engaging the contractor. He said they want to show the contractor some faults with a view to engage them to rectify the anomalies.
A visit to the courts revealed early wear on the playing surface, despite the project being concluded recently. The office rooftop still has boulders to support the roofing.
“We are going to investigate how the tender was awarded. I think somebody might have alerted the contractor to fix where it was not done right,” said a BTA official who requested anonymity.
The official said they will investigate the tendering process, with a company from outside the country tasked with the local job. An ITF officer visited the project and was not impressed. The BTA is still waiting for a report from the ITF.
“Then we can start asking the questions. Why local companies were not involved; why the job did not go for tender as per principle and why the particular company was chosen?” he said.
The official further said they wanted to know the criteria that was used to award the job and if the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Board (PPADB) procedures were followed.
Botswana National Sport Commission chief executive officer, Falcon Sedimo said if a code feels they have the expertise to embark on a project, they are allowed to do that. He said sporting codes are independent bodies but it is important to engage BNSC when faced with challenges.
“I have not been briefed about the progress made regarding the Selebi-Phikwe courts. I am yet to receive a report. But the way you put it, it is clear something went wrong,” Sedimo said.
He said the issue could be that the contractor cut corners in order to make profit. He said when a contractor is engaged, there should be close monitoring to avoid projects that are not done up to standard.