Africa-Press – Gambia. The Local Government Commission of Inquiry recently questioned Saloum Malang, the former Director General of the Gambia Public Procurement Authority (GPPA), regarding his approval of the Brikama Area Council’s (BAC) procurement of garbage trucks.
During the 2020 procurement exercise, BAC purchased five garbage compactor trucks and three skip loader trucks from 5C Energy Company, a firm with which the council already had an ongoing partnership.
Malang confirmed to the commission that GPPA had granted approval for the procurement. He explained that initial approval was withheld due to BAC’s failure to submit all required supporting documentation.
“They came back with further justification and an appeal that currently the supplier is the only one that has these in town and it is readily available,” Malang stated.
He further noted that the council’s appeal emphasized financial constraints, claiming they lacked sufficient funds for competitive bidding. Additionally, 5C Energy had agreed to supply the trucks with payment to be made in monthly installments.
Malang highlighted that BAC also cited the recent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent public health risks during the rainy season in Brikama, where accumulated garbage posed significant concerns.
These factors, he explained, influenced GPPA’s decision to approve the procurement despite procedural irregularities.
Counsel Patrick Gomez challenged Malang, pointing out that BAC failed to provide a market survey to substantiate the claim that 5C Energy was the sole capable supplier.
“My judgment at the time was on the consequences,” Malang responded.
However, Counsel Gomez argued that BAC’s justifications lacked legitimacy, as no market survey was conducted, and the claim that 5C Energy would provide trucks at their own cost was unsubstantiated. Former BAC CEO Jonga confirmed that these assertions were inaccurate.
Gomez emphasized, “You have no basis for your opinion, that is the reality because if you are to give approval, you have to fall back on your technicians. You get the act and the regulations so that if they advise you wrongly you know.”
He further suggested that the approval appeared to be a mere formality, as BAC had effectively initiated transactions prior to receiving GPPA’s clearance.
Malang admitted, “The fact is if I had known what I know today, I would not have approved it. I take responsibility as the DG, then, for approving it.”
He reiterated that his approval was influenced by the urgent safety concerns raised by the council.
Counsel Gomez stressed the importance of strict adherence to procurement procedures to ensure value for money and minimize risks of fraud. Malang agreed with this position.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
