Corrupt don’t like new tender rules – Schlettwein
OGONE TLHAGE
Finance minister Calle Schlettwein is satisfied with the new procurement policies and says the system has been built in such a way that corrupt practices can be stopped.
According to Schlettwein, those who are opposed to the new procedures are keen on cheating the government.
“There are those that do not like the new system but like the old system for dubious reasons.”
Schlettwein made these comments during a staff address last week.
He admitted there were initial problems with the new public procurement procedures but maintained that he was happy.
“There were teething problems with the procurement system,” he said.
Schlettwein added the ministry was working towards improving aspects of the procurement system.
“We have started to look at the [Public Procurement] Act. We have [also] asked offices and ministries to write to us on the procurement system. I am happy with the system but not all the elements.”
The Central Procurement Board was established in 2017 and replaced the Tender Board of Namibia. It is tasked to conduct bidding processed on behalf of public entities for the awarding of contracts for procurement or the disposal of assets that exceed the threshold prescribed for public entities.
Central Procurement Board spokesperson Abigail Kandetu previously told The Namibian that the board had been slow to get out of the starting blocks.
“[We] have been dealing with a number of transitional matters, which include the extension of existing contracts to enable public entities to prepare procurement bids in accordance with the Public Procurement Act,” she said.
Public entities submitted their procurement plans, which must be approved by the board before the tenders are awarded, she added.
“It is evident from the number of submissions and interactions with the Central Procurement Board that public entities embrace the changes, and are trying to comply with the requirements of the new Public Procurement Act,” Kandetu added.
Finance minister Calle Schlettwein is satisfied with the new procurement policies and says the system has been built in such a way that corrupt practices can be stopped.
According to Schlettwein, those who are opposed to the new procedures are keen on cheating the government.
“There are those that do not like the new system but like the old system for dubious reasons.”
Schlettwein made these comments during a staff address last week.
He admitted there were initial problems with the new public procurement procedures but maintained that he was happy.
“There were teething problems with the procurement system,” he said.
Schlettwein added the ministry was working towards improving aspects of the procurement system.
“We have started to look at the [Public Procurement] Act. We have [also] asked offices and ministries to write to us on the procurement system. I am happy with the system but not all the elements.”
The Central Procurement Board was established in 2017 and replaced the Tender Board of Namibia. It is tasked to conduct bidding processed on behalf of public entities for the awarding of contracts for procurement or the disposal of assets that exceed the threshold prescribed for public entities.
Central Procurement Board spokesperson Abigail Kandetu previously told The Namibian that the board had been slow to get out of the starting blocks.
“[We] have been dealing with a number of transitional matters, which include the extension of existing contracts to enable public entities to prepare procurement bids in accordance with the Public Procurement Act,” she said.
Public entities submitted their procurement plans, which must be approved by the board before the tenders are awarded, she added.
“It is evident from the number of submissions and interactions with the Central Procurement Board that public entities embrace the changes, and are trying to comply with the requirements of the new Public Procurement Act,” Kandetu added.
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