PPRA reminds LGAs to capitalize on e-procurement
DODOMA: THE Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) has directed Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to expedite the initiation of procurement processes for Constituency Development Fund (CDF) projects within the National e-Procurement System of Tanzania (NeST).
PPRA Director General, Mr Denis Simba issued the directive on Tuesday in Dodoma while opening a training session on NeST usage for regional directors, ICT experts and procurement officers at regional and municipal levels.
He urged officials to ensure that procurement processes are initiated in areas where funds are available but have not yet been integrated into NeST.
“PPRA will work closely with you to ensure this requirement is implemented within the next one or two weeks,” he stated.
Mr Simba also instructed councils that have received project funds to commence procurement processes within the system, while those already underway should be expedited to ensure timely project execution.
“All projects included in the council’s budget or service delivery centres for the respective financial year should be incorporated into the procurement plan, adhering strictly to public procurement laws,” he emphasised.
Additionally, he stressed that all procurement activities within institutions must be conducted through the system and pending tender processes must be concluded promptly.
He highlighted the importance of completing and signing procurement contracts for goods and services in accordance with legal and contractual obligations.
“There is a tendency among some officers to exit the system after identifying a successful bidder during the evaluation stage. This is a serious legal violation. The process must be conducted entirely within the system, from inception to contract issuance,” he cautioned.
Furthermore, he directed procurement officers to submit monthly procurement activity reports to PPRA, duly certified by the Accounting Officer.
Mr Simba also pointed out key challenges facing LGAs in procurement, including unrealistic budget estimates leading to unsuccessful tenders, inflated bidding prices compared to procuring entities’ rates and contractors taking on multiple contracts they struggle to complete on time.
Other challenges include the low uptake of NeST registration among bidders, limited understanding of the system by procurement entities and bidders’ lack of expertise in inputting pricing details within NeST.
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Delays in contractor selection and a shortage of skilled artisans also contribute to increased project costs.
“PPRA is committed to working with stakeholders to resolve these challenges. Those who believe that the system lacks oversight should know that efforts are underway to enhance its effectiveness through ICT solutions,” he affirmed.
