Audit saves P39m on SSKIA tender

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The government has saved P39 million after an audit of the bids for completion of the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA). Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology, Dikagiso Mokotedi told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) last week that construction companies had tendered bids ranging from P180 million to P220 million for the job. But eventually, the tender was awarded to Stefanutti Stocks Botswana at P143 million after the company had initially quoted P182 million.

“Because this was a completion job, naturally contractors tend to overstate bid prices and scopes of work as they seek security in case they discover defects from the previous contractors. But as we went through the clarification process, we eliminated lots of aspects, which normally would have gone through unchecked. In the end, Stefanutti Stocks bid was slashed from P182 million to P143 million, saving about P39 million of government funds,” he said.

Stefanutti has been given 239 days to complete the job that stalled after government terminated the contract of Sinohydro. The government moved after the Chinese company failed to complete the airport’s expansion within time and cost. At the time of termination, the airport’s construction was two years and two months beyond deadline and P150 million above the original P433 million budget. 

Editor's Comment
Prosecutors deserve better

These legal professionals, who are entrusted with upholding the rule of law, face numerous challenges that compromise their ability to effectively carry out their duties.Elsewhere in this edition, we carry a story on the lamentations of the officers of court.The prosecutors have raised a number of concerns, calling for urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders, including the President, Minister of Justice and the Attorney General. Their...

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