BEMA�s advocacy for manufacturers bears fruit
Isaac Pinielo | Friday May 26, 2017 15:07
BEMA had written a letter to the council’s city clerk querying the requirements of a tender for the supply and delivery of cold asphalt premix.
The association insisted that the council revises its tender requirements so as to include local manufacturers that are covered by the Economic Diversification Drive (EDD) directive. The tender had originally not included the manufacturer’s code thereby closing them out.
BEMA chief executive officer, Mmantlha Sankoloba stated in the letter that the tender is only open to general supplies, hardware, tools and construction materials, which leaves out general manufacturers or producers and construction products. “…it is however with great regret that the tender failed to include Presidential Directive 34 (B) of 2014 which requires that all central government, local government and all parastatals should buy all their goods and services from local manufacturers and service providers,” the letter read in part.
As a result of this, the Francistown City Council agreed to the association’s demand and duly included the manufacturers code in the requirements of the said tender.
According to the council, the decision was taken after the assessment of the association’s complaint and through consultation concerning the tender and the relevant codes and sub-codes.
“We are happy to inform your office that code 213 –(Manufacturers/Producers), sub-code 7 (Construction Products) has been included as a requirement in the above mentioned tender,” the council responded.
BEMA president, Nkosi Mwaba applauded the decision by the council, stating that it does not only demonstrate the value of the association’s efforts but also bears testament to the fact that its stakeholders are receptive and willing to engage.
“Although this may seem like a small achievement for the sector, these efforts will go a long way in supporting and enabling the growth and sustainability of the manufacturing sector,” he said.
Amongst other services, BEMA plays an advocacy role on behalf of private sector companies to government and regional bodies.