By Alpha Abu
Procurement officers from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been given an orientation on the dynamics of a soon to be introduced electronic Government Procurement or e-GP system in the country. The National Public Procurement Agency or NPPA conducted the one day sensitisation event at the YSC complex, Freetown on Tuesday 20 April 2021.
Addressing the officers, NPPA Chief Executive, Ibrahim Brima Swarray explained about his focus on building a strong institution upon assuming office. He said even if a country has all money in the world including grants or donor funding it is an efficient procurement system that will serve as a determinant factor for economic growth and development. He challenged the workers to demonstrate proper management of the country’s resources through electronic procurement and for them to work selflessly so they could be part of the country’s history. The NPPA boss said President Julius Maada Bio was happy and believed in seeing a digitalised system operational in the government’s procurement process.
The NPPA Board Chairman Albert Kandeh highlighted issues associated to procurement before the electronic system such as poor records management and audit loopholes at the NPPA, Ministries and educational institutions. He said the officers should now be prepared to move from manual to electronic procurement. He called on the media to help in explaining to the public about the benefits of an electronic government procurement process.
He expressed satisfaction in seeing more women now taking up the procurement career in cognisance of the innate prudency they possess in expending money. He said the entire e- GP is very important and demands value for money in every transaction.
Various presentations were made including on the reforms at the NPPA in recent years that have seen the publications of Public procurement manuals and circulars as well as the quarterly price norm.
It is expected that the e-GP will create “an open competitive procurement environment that generates best value for government”. It is hoped the e-GP to commence later in the year, will prevent wastages and provide real savings for both vendors and government.
Some countries were highlighted where electronic government procurement has helped stabilise economies. South Korea reportedly saved $ 8 billion through such a process and its introduction in Caribbean nations doubled the number of bidders and complaints about wastage ceased in Bangladesh. According to NPPA officials for Local Vendors to secure an auto-generated registration they will have to pay 500,000 Leones each and for a Foreign Supplier $100. This is applicable for a period of two years. Payments could be done electronically or offline.
Copyright © 2021 Politico Online (21/04/21)
