PPADB tackles tender fraud with tip-off service
Isaac Pinielo | Wednesday June 28, 2017 16:54
During the launch of the tip-off service yesterday, PPADB executive chairperson, Bridget John said the anonymous tip-off platform will be useful in allowing concerned parties to provide reasonable information to cause action whilst their identity is protected.
“From time-to-time people allege corruption in tenders without providing any information or leads to facilitate follow-ups,” she said.
She urged members of the public to find out more about the anonymous tip-off service, stating that its reception and optimal use will assist the PPADB to improve public confidence and integrity in the procurement and asset disposal system.
According to John, the Board saw it prudent to develop a whistleblowing policy whose aim is to provide a safe and secure avenue for PPADB employees, members of the public, contractors and other stakeholders disclose information, which the whistleblower believes may show malpractice or impropriety.
The policy also seeks to allow people to cause to be known to the PPADB any unethical conduct, or misbehaviour, or corruption, that is likely to harm or injure its reputation or that of key stakeholders involved in procurement.
“The whistleblowing policy seeks to enhance the integrity of the procurement and asset disposal system and the disclosures will be handled by Deloitte,” John added.
She indicated that the PPADB will ensure the protection of the individuals who use the tip-off service and those implicated in such reports.
She said there will be no fear or favour in the processing of reports received as the objective is to promote good governance in the use of public resources and expose any malpractice or corruption that may be going on undetected and unattended for fear of reporting, and victimisation.
John said the anonymous tip-off will not change in any way the existing arrangement that allows complainants to bring to the attention of the PPADB, relevant tender committees, and independent complaints review committee any specific complaints they may have in relation to any procurement or asset disposal activity for redress.
The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) director, Rose Seretse said the PPADB anonymous tip-off platform will go a long way in promoting good corporate governance and ethical business conduct in the public procurement and asset disposal system.
She said research has shown that 40% of fraud and corruption is detected through anonymous tip-offs.
Although Botswana has been rated as the least corrupt country in Africa, Seretse said this does not in any way suggest that there is no corruption in the country.
“It only means that compared to other countries, the level of corruption in Botswana is low and there is certainly room for improvement,” she said.
She stated that if corruption in the public procurement and asset disposal is allowed to flourish it could retard progress, saying that it affects everybody and takes many forms.
Of particular concern, she said, is the risk of having contractors and other external parties seeking to corrupt and collude with public officials to commit procurement fraud.
“We at DCEC receive allegations of corruption related to tenders issued by central government, local authorities, and parastatals,” Seretse said.