Air Botswana dolls up for suitors
Friday, September 03, 2010
Government has attempted to privatise Air Botswana thrice, beginning with the Comair bid in 2003, then the Airlink attempt in 2006 and the failed bid to engage a management company in 2008.
Between these years, Air Botswana's finances have dipped, recording losses of up to P300 million and dulling the carrier's lustre to potential investors. Air Botswana recorded a loss of P89 million for the financial year 2008/09.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...