Recourses constraints hindering e- Government proc...

Recourses constraints hindering e- Government procurement system implementation

New Ziana- Lack of resources to invest in information communication technology and internet connectivity is preventing many public entities in the country from implementing the new electronic government procurement system which promotes transparency.

The Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe introduced the new system to ensure transparency, consistency and efficiency in the procuring processes.

The e-GP system also assists in ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations and policies governing the procurement processes, as well as providing a level playing field for all suppliers through fair and open competition.

Although PRAZ has authorised 251 annual procurement plans via the e-GP, some suppliers are still to register with the new system due to resource constraints, as it requires some investment in electronic gadgets and internet connectivity.

Speaking during a stakeholders engagement meeting, Bulawayo City Council procurement manager Mlungelwa Khumalo said procuring entities faced serious resource constraints, which need to be addressed.

“This is one of the barriers towards implementation of the new system. When I talk of resources I’m talking of equipment as well as the human resources.

"You find that most procuring entities are not well made in terms of the numbers of members of the procurement team. I’m sure we have some procurement entities that just have one procurement officer manning the entire procurement entity. That alone makes it difficult for allocation of duties because this system calls for allocation of duties so that’s a big challenge.”

Khumalo also cited the lack of requisite skills as another barrier to implementation of the new system.

“Procurement is a fairly new profession. It has been there but has not been getting the attention that it is currently getting so we do not have enough qualified people to handle the system at the moment. Though trainings are underway to capacitate the available human resources, we are still experiencing challenges,” he said.

He also highlighted the unavailability of state-of-the-art ICT equipment such as computers and hi-tech internet.

“This is a web-based system and we have to use Information Communication Technologies which most organisations don’t have. Most organisations don’t have enough computers yet this is a web-based system that definitely needs the use of those computers,” he said, adding that connectivity was also crucial.

“We all know the challenges we have as far as connectivity is concerned
in the country in general. Obviously, there is need for massive investment in that regard. For instance, in a situation where a tender is about to close and you don’t have internet connectivity, it becomes a challenge. We need serious investment in terms of connectivity."

Meanwhile, secretary and chief executive officer of the Kenya Institute of Supplies Examination Board, Fred Ongisa, praised Zimbabwe for launching the e-GP system, saying it is a step forward in curbing corruption and promoting transparency in the procurement systems.

PRAZ adopted the system as part of the reforms designed to minimize corruption and interference in public procurement as it eliminates human interface.