By: Binta Jaiteh
Banjul City Council (BCC) has admitted authorizing the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA) to use restricted tendering method for procurement of trucks.
This was disclosed in the audited management letter of EU Banjul – Ostende project covering January 2020 to 31st April 2024.
The auditors revealed that trucks were purchased from Quantum Net at the tune of
GMD11, 550,000.00 using restricted tendering method instead of the required open tender method. The contract value for this procurement exceeded GMD 1,000,000, necessitating an open tender process.
“The use of restricted tendering without valid justification undermines the principles of transparency and fairness in procurement. It limits the opportunity for broader competition, potentially leading to favouritism and uncompetitive pricing” auditors stressed.
BCC must ensure strict adherence to procurement guidelines, particularly regarding the use of open tender processes for contracts exceeding GMD 1,000,000. Deviations from established procedures should be rare and properly justified.
The auditors emphasized that tender documents were still not provided to the audit team for verification and there was also no evidence of approval from GPPA for use of the restricted tendering method of procurement.
NAO also discovered improper awarding of contracts, according to the auditor’s procurement documents and payment records revealed a contract amounting GMD 1,311,300 was awarded to Dem’s Trading, a stationery supplier for the supply of 4000 coconut seedlings.
This supplier specializes in stationery supplies, indicating a significant mismatch between the supplier’s usual line of business and the nature of the goods supplied. Engaging a supplier with no experience or expertise in the required goods increases the risk of non-delivery, substandard goods, or delays, which can have adverse effects on project timelines and objectives. The misalignment between the supplier’s capabilities and the contracted goods suggests possible financial mismanagement and misuse of project funds. This could lead to financial losses and inefficiencies, the auditors pointed out
The Project Manager and CEO in consultation with the steering and contracts committees must ensure strict adherence to procurement regulations by awarding contracts to suppliers with relevant expertise and experience in the required goods or services to promote fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the procurement process. Management must implement a robust supplier evaluation and selection process that includes assessing the supplier’s history, expertise, and capacity to deliver the required goods or Service.
