Tsogwane encourages mutually beneficial PPPs
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Delegates at the ongoing BALA National Conference 2015. PIC: CHAKALISA DUBE
Tsogwane was officiating at the Botswana Association for Local Authorities (BALA) 16th national conference on Tuesday at Adansonia Hotel. The four day long conference is themed ‘Unlocking investment opportunities-modernising service delivery.’
“Apart from ensuring sustainability, partnerships can also help Local Authorities to ensure that they operate smoothly. Public Private Partnerships (PPP) have the potential to diversify Botswana’s economy and create jobs for Batswana in the process alleviating poverty and consequently reducing dependence on the government.” “ The private sector should do this as an opportunity for business development. I also urge the public sector to be accommodative to the private sector as PPP partnerships can have an impact on economic development,” he said.
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...