BOL finalises preps for P30bn coal-to-fuel project
Friday, May 20, 2022 | 3920 Views |
Black gold: The country’s abundant coal resources could power its fuel self-sufficiency PIC: MINERGY.COM
Known as Ikaegeng XTL (coal-to-liquid), the ambitious project aims to tap into the billions of tonnes of coal lying untapped in the country, with technology applied to produce various petroleum products for domestic use.
While 11 companies were shortlisted for the project after a prequalification tender in August 2017, Botswana Oil (BOL) has since repackaged Ikaegeng as a Public Private Partnership initiative and finalised a feasibility study showing that nearly 3,000 jobs could be created during construction and operation.
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...