By Shadrach Aziz Kamara
The Parliamentary Oversight Committee on Works and Public Assets has launched an inquiry into suspected irregularities in the procurement process for the construction of six presidential residences. During an extensive session, committee members scrutinized discrepancies in advertisement timelines, bidding procedures, and ministerial approvals.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Bashiru Silikie expressed concerns over apparent violations, including premature advertisement of tenders before formal approval, unexplained reductions in the bidding period from six weeks to three, and the selection of newspapers with limited reach for publication.
“The integrity of public procurement must be upheld. We have identified inconsistencies, and our findings will inform the next course of action,” the Chairman stated.
A key issue raised was the continued sale of bid documents beyond the stipulated deadline, with records showing sales extended from September 12 to as late as September 19. The committee also questioned the rationale behind choosing certain newspapers for advertising the project, emphasizing the need for broader public engagement.
Government officials, including procurement officers and permanent secretaries, defended their actions, citing time constraints and executive directives. However, the committee insisted on accountability, noting that the project’s handling raises serious governance concerns.
Following the inquiry, the committee resolved to put the procurement process on hold pending further investigations. Additionally, they announced plans to review other government property transactions, including the sale and occupation of government quarters and lands.
The next committee meeting is expected to provide a comprehensive report on the findings, potentially leading to significant reforms in procurement oversight.
