Maseru, Oc. 09 — The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has raised concerns over the award of a security contract by Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) to Reliable Basotho Security Company, which competed against more than eight other companies, despite its trade registration certificate reportedly having been issued in September 2023.
The concerns emerged during PAC meeting with WASCO, convened to respond to queries raised in the Auditor-General’s report of the 2023/2024 financial year.
The Committee further expressed concern that WASCO Board Chairperson is being guarded by a security company contracted by WASCO, on grounds that he had been receiving threats.
PAC Chairperson Mrs Machabana Lemphane Letsie said the report on the tendering process failed to convince the Committee that Reliable Basotho Security Company had outperformed its competitors in terms of technical expertise and other requirements outlined in the bidding process.
She added that it was inappropriate for WASCO to pay for the security of its Board Chairperson, saying this had prompted the Committee to question the circumstances surrounding the award of the security tender.
She also criticised the report presented by WASCO, describing it as unclear and lacking supporting documentation, instructing the company to return with a comprehensive report addressing all the issues discussed, including the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) tender that was awarded to Focal point and Econet.
Clarifying how the security tender was awarded, WASCO Supply Chain Manager Mr Neo Lekhotla explained that the decision was based on several factors, including technical expertise, business licensing and financial proposals.
However, the Committee questioned several aspects of the technical evaluation, suggesting that the awarded company might not have outperformed some of its competitors in the areas assessed.
WASCO Chief Executive Officer Mr. Lebohang Mpeke Makara appealed to the Committee to allow the company sufficient time to thoroughly review the reports and compile the supporting documents requested.
Meanwhile, the proceedings between the Committee and WASCO have been suspended to give the company an opportunity to prepare clear, comprehensive reports and submit the necessary supporting documentation.
ends
