Big-ticket infrastructure to underpin NDP12
Friday, September 27, 2024 | 390 Views |
Presenting numbers: Finance minister, Peggy Serame, is leading preparations for the next budget PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Whilst the first draft for the NDP12 is expected to be released in October this year, economic advisor in the Office of the President, Noma Sephuma, lifted the lid on government’s intentions to anchor its roadmap on accelerated infrastructure investment.
Speaking during an infrastructure and construction symposium organised by Absa Bank Botswana, Sephuma said that the upcoming NDP12 was aiming for real economic growth, with infrastructure identified as the driver.
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...