Auditor General uncovers wastage on digital migration

Whilst Botswana’s transition from analogue to digital was not a smooth process with controversy around it, the AG’s report has raised additional concerns relating to tendering and unnecessary wastage. Amongst other concerns that the AG’s report raises are contract additions that were done without approval, time overruns without any charges levied for that period, direct appointments of suppliers that were done without any reason, contract variation, as well as unutilised equipment.

According to the report, a tender for digital terrestrial television was awarded at a contract sum of over P53 million for a period of 10 months beginning October 2014 to August 2015. After the award, the department changed the scope of work, reducing the digital broadcasting sites from 48 to 45 and diesel generators from 48 to 35. The report notes that while these alterations should have reduced the contract sum by P534, 242.55, the contract sum was never adjusted. Instead, additional items were added to the contract to utilise the “savings”, without any evidence of approval. Furthermore, the contractor was expected to complete the project by August 22, 2015, but was awarded an extension of 60 days to October 22, 2015.