Parly committee wants BTC privatisation deferred
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Taylor
The Committee feels that the December time frame was too soon since the corporation is faced with many challenges even though the BTCL managing director, Paul Taylor insisted that it was still possible for the exercise to be done two months from now.
The committee asked the MD if they should ask the Minister to revise the time frames so that they can implement the privatisation without much pressure. “It would be a disaster if we miss the date, but the privatisation is possible even though there are some challenges that can hinder us to meet the set date. There are a number of approvals that need to be done, so if giving me more time will decrease the risk, I do agree,” Taylor told the Committee last Friday.
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...