CEDA suspends loan repayments for BCL contractors
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Thamane PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Speaking at last week’s commemoration of the Africa Industrialisation Day and Business Forum, CEDA chief executive officer, Thabo Thamane said the temporary suspension is going to put pressure on the agency’s balance sheet but it was a viable decision to make in light of the situation. Thamane, however said the decision does not stop the suppliers from continuing to pay from other alternative sources of funds.
The provisional liquidation is expected to last until February 2017 when the liquidators produce a report with recommendations on the way forward.
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...