The Public Enterprises Evaluation and Privatisation Agency (PEEPA) says it is too early to judge the effectiveness of the Public Services Outsourcing Programme (PSOP), but pointed out it would not result in job losses.
Chief Executive Officer, Kgotla Ramaphane was testifying yesterday before the Parliamentary Accounts Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises. Committee members had wanted to know about the progress of the outsourcing programme and how it affects employees.
Ramaphane explained that the PSOP is a pilot project and that it is early to say whether the programme is succeeding or not.
He cited as an example institutions like the Botswana Housing Corporation (BHC), Debswana and Kgalagadi Breweries Limited that he said have managed their outsourcing well.
The PSOP, which was introduced in 2011, was meant to contract certain services provision to the private sector in a bid to cut down costs, improve service delivery and make the government smaller.
Following the introduction of the PSOP, a feasibility study phase commenced which was meant to provide information on staff, organisational structure, assets, equipment, materials and consumables that are currently used in the delivery of the services earmarked for outsourcing. The services include cleaning, garden maintenance and security guarding services. The feasibility study was also expected to explore different options available for implementation of the programme and recommend the one that is most optimal. Meanwhile, Ramaphane said in the organisation’s annual report that PEEPA has made significant progress in leading the outsourcing of non-clinical services in government referral hospitals. He added that the first phase, which covers outsourcing of cleaning, garden maintenance, potter services and security is complete. Contracts are already in place for these services. The tenders for catering, laundry services and equipment maintenance under this phase have been issued. In order to ensure that the programme is implemented effectively, PEEPA and the Ministry of Health have developed a five-year outsourcing implementation plan for the facilities of the Ministry across the country. e speed of connectivity over other things,” she said.
Norris further acknowledged Botswana Innovation Hub (BIH) for ensuring that technology and innovation not only form apart of Botswana’s development agenda, but more specifically engages Batswana to increase their stake in the development of the sector as a whole.
