Botswana receives more aid from China
Monday, April 07, 2014
Chinese ambassador to Botswana, Zheng Zhuquiang
Speaking at last week’s signing ceremony of a P71.5 million grant to Botswana, Zheng said China has provided many batches of economic and technical assistance to Botswana in the form of grants, interest free and concessional loans.
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...