PPADB faces procurement challenges
Isaac Pinielo | Wednesday February 22, 2017 16:30
Addressing the media in Gaborone recently, PPADB executive chairperson, Bridget John said the Board is faced with a lack of procurement capacity at its procuring entities, which results in late initiation of procurement, evaluation of tenders, and inadequate submissions.
“There is need for procuring entities to improve adherence to procurement plans for timely implementation of projects,” John said.
She noted that procuring entities also face poor scoping and conceptualisation of projects resulting in variations at project implementation.
John said another challenge that the PPADB faces is virement of funds by some procuring entities after award of tenders or initiation of procurement, which delays commencement of projects.
At district level, she said internet connectivity, and availability of suitable Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment are challenges that need to be improved to facilitate online bidding.
From the identified challenges, the executive chairperson indicated that the PPADB has engaged the World Bank, through the Reimbursable Advisory Service, signed between the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development and the Bretton Woods institute, to review PPADB training material to support and strengthen capacity building in Botswana.
She said PPADB Act and regulations have been amended to improve accountability in procurement and asset disposal.
PPADB has also developed a whistleblowing policy aimed at ensuring that all employees and stakeholders feel supported in reporting matters they suspect may involve improper, unethical or inappropriate conduct in tenders.
“PPADB is generally doing well in executing its mandate and strives to continually improve operations,” John said.
She said the Board also launched the Integrated Procurement Management System (IPMS) last year which is aimed at improving efficiency in public procurement.
She said the project is being rolled out to selected procuring entities to facilitate a smooth transition from a paper-based system to automation.
According to John, further enhancements to the system are ongoing, which include the incorporation of the Simple Messaging System gateway as well as the payment gateway to provide for electronic payments for customer convenience.
She said an electronic PPADB certificate will be introduced during the 2017/2018 financial year and bidders would no longer be required to submit PPADB certificates.
“Contractor registration status will be verified online following the successful conclusion of data migration to the system in 2017,” she said.
Also, in an effort to improve customer satisfaction and ensure adherence to requirements, she said the PPADB has aligned itself with the ISO 9001:2008, which is a quality management standard.
“Certification assists PPADB in continuously maintaining adherence to its processes, identifying problematic areas and improving on these for effectiveness,” she said.