DIS probes Ministrys’ maintenance tenders
We do not comment on allegations around operational matters - DIS We are not aware of any cartel in our ministry - Transport Ministry Our letter has been quoted out of context - BCWCA
The Directorate on Intelligence and Security ( DIS) is planning to sniff into possible corruption in the evaluation of four roads maintenance tenders at the Ministry of Transport and Communications, Botswana Guardian has learned.
Recently, this publication published a story on claims that there is a cartel of officials at the Ministry and the Department of Roads, which engaged in underhand tactics in the evaluation and award of tenders with the aim of favouring contractors associated with the cartel.
There have been queries by some contractors on how the tenders are handled from the initial stages of Invitation to Tender ( ITT) where preferred bidders are said to be favoured with information on the tenders so that they prepare themselves. The contention was also on the decision by the procuring entity to use a two- way envelope for the tenders.
The four tenders are; Tender No: MTC 240/ 5/ 56/ 2021- 2022 ( 4) Shoulder Reinstatement and Asphalt Overlay of Sepopa- Mohembo Road 70KM; Tender No: MTC 240/ 5/ 56/ 2021- 2022 ( 5) Shoulder Reinstatement and Asphalt Overlay of Gumare- Sepopa Road 70KM; Tender No: MTC240/ 5/ 56/ 2021- 2022 ( 2) Asphalt Overlay of Mokobeng- Sefhare Access Road 30KM; and Tender No: MTC 240/ 5/ 56/ 2021- 2022 ( 3) Asphalt Overlay of Machaneng- Ramokgonami Turn- Off and Access Roads 60KM.
It has been argued that the two- way envelope method will disadvantage other bidders who might not have the financial muscle.
While this development regarding the DIS was revealed a fortnight ago, the Directorate would not be drawn into discussing the matter.
DIS Public Relations Director Edward Robert said the Directorate of Intelligence and Security does not comment on allegations around operational matters.
“Further, it has to be noted that contrary to the narrative being touted by our detractors, the Directorate does not meddle in matters of procurement as that is the preserve of Procuring Entities, under the guidance of the PPADB. Our operations are guided by the Intelligence and Security Service Act,” he said.
While Botswana Civil Works Contractor Association wrote to the Ministry regarding these tenders in June this year, and its president subsequently confirming the letter and indicated that no response was given, the association has since somersaulted and claims that their letter, which this publication is in possession of, was quoted out of context.
On the other hand, the Ministry revealed that it attended to and responded through the Roads Department, and correspondence was sent on the 22nd June 2021. The association contends that the letter quoted which bears the signature of its president Oduetse Tautona is false and misleading and demanded a retraction. The Ministry Acting Chief Public Relations Officer Oageletse Boapetswe said they are not aware of any cartel operating at the Ministry of Roads department. “The PPADB Act gives the procuring entity provision to use evaluation method based on the complexity of the project, as such both least cost and two envelope system methods are used.
“The two- way envelope method provides consideration for quality and financial aspects. This is significant to ensure projects are completed within scope, time, and budget, particularly for those contractors that demonstrate capacity, capability, and technical knowledge and resources to execute maintenance projects.
“The Procuring Entity’s mandate is to ensure value for money and prudence in spending Government funds,” she said. Boapetswe revealed that the procurement process is still ongoing for these tenders and bidders will be informed duly of the outcome of their bids in various media.
“W e are not aware of any cartels of engineers or personnel whether at the Roads Department or at the Ministry of Transport and Communications who leak ITT information. “We encourage the general public to whistleblow on any corrupt practice in our system of tendering and even alert the relevant authorities. The Ministry has an anti- corruption unit to address issues of this nature”. Furthermore, ITTs are advertised in the Government Gazette, and bids are sold to bidders using the same criteria, Boapetswe said, adding that Evaluation committees are independent and are guided by the relevant procurement Acts.
PPADB would also not be drawn into discussing the aforementioned tenders, indicating that the tenders in question are administered by the Ministerial Tender Committee ( MTC) of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
PPADB Public Relations and Education Manager, Charles Keikotlhae said the tenders are within their threshold, and “they approved the evaluation methods for the tenders, therefore, will be best placed to expeditiously respond to the questions.” He said the MTC is better suited to expeditiously respond to the current status.
“It should be highlighted that the MTCs submit reports on a monthly and quarterly ( basis) and in the current moment the Board is not in receipt of reports on the above- mentioned tenders,” explained Keikotlhae.