adminThe meeting that was meant to gather public opinion and recommendations about the operations of the State Procurement Board (SPB) lasted for about 30 minutes, as the few people who attended had exhausted their contributions.
With no further business, the chairperson of the committee who is also the Member of the House of Assembly for Goromonzi North (Zanu-PF), Cde Paddy Zhanda, announced that the meeting had ended.
However, in an interview Cde Zhanda insisted that his committee had sent invitations to the public on time.
“We had come to gather public views about the tender processes and we feel attendance could have been better. We advertised the meeting in the Press and wrote invitation letters to various organisations, leaders and MPs in the city to tell people about the meeting,” said Cde Zhanda.
“We are now going to Harare for another meeting tomorrow. We will also have another meeting with SPB before compiling a report that we will present to Parliament.”
Bulawayo Central MP Ms Dorcas Sibanda (MDC-T) said it was disappointing that people did not attend the meeting.
“It is unfortunate that people still do not understand the need for dialogue with Government. People should develop the culture of dialogue through such platforms. They should know that MPs do not make unilateral decisions without their contributions,” said Ms Sibanda.
“This meeting is important because it has implications on the national economy. There are loopholes in tender processes and if not handled properly corruption can ruin us. We expected people, especially from Bulawayo, to flood this place and bring their ideas.
“Such ideas help the country to move forward and avert certain economic blunders. We have participated in exchange visits in other countries and their meetings are so vibrant, even in rural areas.”
Other committee members include Zvishavane MP Cde Obert Matshalaga (Zanu-PF), MP for Bulawayo South Mr Edward Cross (MDC-T), Hurungwe Central MP Cde Godfrey Beremauro (Zanu-PF).
Meanwhile, the handful of participants called for the review of the operations of the SPB.
They demanded increased transparency in the awarding of Government tenders and alleged the process was full of corruption.
The chairperson of Inotho Kwabatsha/Upfumi Kuvadiki in the southern region Mr Albert Mavunga said the SPB should include youths and women to promote equal representation in line with the indigenisation and economic empowerment programme.
“We want women and youths to be part of the procurement board so that their voices can be heard. We also suggest that SPB creates a website that would be accessed by anyone in the country. This would cut travel costs to Harare,” said Mr Mavunga.
“The board should also decentralise its services. More over the Government should avail loans for youths to take these tenders in line with the empowerment drive.”
Another participant who identified himself as Mr Nyoni said SPB should classify the tenders according to their value in order to allow more players and new businesses to benefit.
Of late there has been heated debates over the awarding of tenders by SPB with some companies complaining that they were being sidelined in favour of foreign companies.
Bulawayo companies have also expressed concern that the SPB was awarding more tenders to Harare-based companies, taking business away from them.
Some time last year, a Bulawayo based company dragged SPB to the High Court over a tender dispute after the board cancelled the tender awarded to it.
However, the Minister of Public Works Mr Joel Gabbuza Gabuza is on record saying Bulawayo companies were unable to get bids for public tenders because their applications were sub-standard.
Online Reporter