By Alpha Abu
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) has in its formal presentation of its fourth bulletin given details of interventions that prevented the government from losing a total of sixty six billion, eight one million, four hundred and eight thousand, eight hundred and twenty seven Leones. This, the report said happened during the third and fourth quarter of 2020. Procurement officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), representatives of Civil Society groups and journalists attended the event at the Ministry of Finance in Freetown on Friday 29 April 2021.
The report named the country’s social security entity NASSIT, Sierra Leone Water Company (SALWACO), Ports Authority and Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) as lead entities among others, that had their bidding and procurement decisions overturned and which saw the huge amount saved. Some of the bidders had presented higher price quotations and had their successful bids overturned by the authority. NPPA credited the success to its “rigid monitoring of procurement processes and its strict requirement for diligent compliance”. The Chief Executive of NPPA Ibrahim Brima Swarray painted a dismal picture of institutions many of whom he said have not been reporting back to the authority on a monthly basis as demanded. He said they all have to be mindful that the monies expended belong to the people of Sierra Leone and for which every contract process must be transparent with due regard for value for money.
The Procurement Director in the Ministry of Finance, Fodie Kanneh said there has been “an aggressive advancement of progressive reforms” in the NPPA. He praised its present administration for upholding the core principles of procurement. Kanneh spoke highly of the great efficiency within the process and of the unprecedented professionalism now demonstrated. He urged the procurement officers in the MDAs to support the work of NPPA.
Ibrahim Tommy from the Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law (CARL), said the bulletin is a “pro-active disclosure of information’’ which is important in enlightening the public on the procurement process and generally how public funds are used. He encouraged the staff to build on the progress that has been made.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online 30/04/21
