5-YEAR SUSPENSION FOR UNDER-PRICING

MBABANE – Under-pricing, providing false information and supplying goods knowing that no order has been issued could render tenderers and suppliers out of business for the next five years.

Conviction of a criminal offence relating to obtaining or attempting to obtain a contract or subcontract and conviction of a crime related to business activities could also attract similar consequences.

The Swaziland Public Procurement Agency (SPPRA) has vowed to invoke provisions of the Public Procurement Act of 2011 which includes, but not limited to, suspension of suppliers in its quest uproot flouting of procurement procedures.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the partnership between the University of Swaziland (UNISWA) Consultancy and Training Centre (CTC) and SPPRA to capacitate professionals on procurement, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Madoda Mngomezulu, categorically stated they will no longer tolerate flouting of the law.

“We will now invoke certain provisions of the procurement act to ensure full adherence to the law,” warned Mngomezulu during the ceremony convened at the SPPRA offices at RHUS Office Park.

In terms of section 55 of the act, agency may suspend a tenderer or supplier from participation in public procurement for a minimum period of one year and a maximum period of five years.

It should, however, be mentioned that a tenderer or a supplier may not be suspended prior to being provided with a reasonable notice in writing to the tenderer or supplier involved on the grounds for the proposed suspension and the details of the alleged grounds and reasonable opportunity for the tenderer or supplier to respond to the alleged grounds and provide information in its defence.

As stipulated by the law Mngomezulu also assured that a thorough investigation of the facts of the case will be undertaken prior to suspension of any tenderer.
The CEO further expressed appreciation to the entities and companies that continue to comply with the law.

“We are highly grateful to the companies and institutions that are complaint with the law and would like to take this opportunity to encourage them to continue doing so,” Mngomezulu emphasised. 

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