The Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) has been appointed to deal with infrastructure improvement initiatives at the South African National Road Agency Limited (Sanral).
The transfer comes after Sanral’s board final month determined to cancel the adjudicated contracts – valued at R17.47 billion – on account of “material irregularities” within the tender course of.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Sanral board chairperson Themba Mhambi mentioned one of many causes behind the company’s resolution to cancel the contracts was the “lapses in corporate governance”.
Mhambi famous that Sanral was “attacked” for its resolution, which the company stood by, therefore the appointment of DBSA, which is able to help with 5 cancelled tenders.
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“Of course, a few of the entities which had submitted tenders had been infuriated by our resolution, and a few of them went on a nationwide media and political offensive to painting us as nincompoops to be pilloried.
“None, however, has thus far proven us wrong in terms of our reasons. The reason for that is that our reasons were, and continue to be, right and in the best interests of Sanral, good governance, the construction industry itself, and the people of South Africa,” he said.
The DBSA, the Sanral board chair mentioned, would “act as the infrastructure procurement and delivery management support agency on five strategic projects”.
“The DBSA was not in any means concerned within the design, value estimation and tender documentation phases of the cancelled tenders.
“This should reassure all interested parties and the public about the integrity and independence of the new procurement processes for the projects,” Mhambi continued to say.
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In May, Sanral famous that the cancellations would delay the implementation of essential infrastructure initiatives throughout the nation, with the company setting a four-month deadline to re-advertise, consider, adjudicate and award the tenders.
“One space through which we and our detractors agreed was that the non-awarding of these tenders was a setback by way of time. It meant a delay within the implementation of the initiatives meant by the tenders within the first place.
“Mindful of that, and concerned about the country’s economic recovery, the construction industry’s need for business, SMME development, and job creation, as Sanral we resolved to accelerate the required re-advertisement and awarding of the tenders,” Mhambi mentioned on Thursday.
Procurement section
Meanwhile, Sanral appearing CEO Lehlohonolo Memeza revealed that there would be procurement phases of the recognized initiatives.
Memeza mentioned the awarding of the tenders is predicted to be made in September.
He additional indicated that after the tenders are awarded, amongst different issues, “the DBSA’s role will change to project oversight on behalf of the board, with regular reporting to the board to ensure that these projects receive ongoing board monitoring and support”.
“Our procurement and implementation plan for these projects is therefore well and truly back on track, and we wish to reassure the nation that it shall be executed meticulously and with the independence and integrity required,” Memeza mentioned.
‘Lessons learnt’
Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula was additionally current at Thursday’s briefing, saying he was happy that Sanral moved with the required pace to deal with the due course of lapses “with a clear plan on how to finalise the award of these tenders within the shortest possible time”.
“We have traversed a tough street within the aftermath of state seize and irregular award of tenders in a few of our entities, and acts of downright malfeasance in others, which embrace Prasa and Acsa.
“The efforts to revive the integrity of our establishments and rebuild the hollowed out capability has been painstaking at finest.
“The hard lesson we have learnt from this ordeal is to remain vigilant and stop creeping lawlessness, greed and corruption dead on its tracks,” Mbalula said.
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