Unfair tendering cited in inflation of govt projects

Dec 01, 2012

Construction costs for government projects are hiked by contractors to create gap for bribes, a senior engineer has said.Prof. John Senfuma, a consultant surveyor with SEKA Associates, said unless the tendering process for government works is free and fair, the work produced will continue to be sho

By PATRICK JARAMOGI

Construction costs for government projects are hiked by contractors to create gap for bribes, a senior engineer has said.

Prof. John Senfuma, a consultant surveyor with SEKA Associates, said unless the tendering process for government works is free and fair, the work produced will continue to be shoddy due to bribery demands by contracts committee officials.

He said many roads last a few years or even months because contractors have to put money aside as kick-backs for government officials.

“The tendering process is not transparent. Even before the bids are opened, you get a call asking if you want to win the tender. To make matters worse, the Government delays to pay. The payment period is too long to meet the budget plans,” said Senfuma.

He added that many accountants in government departments frustrate payment efforts if no bribe is given.

“I remember we did some work for the health ministry, but we were paid after five years. Someone said “your papers are somewhere on the table but you haven’t ‘talked’”. This ‘talk’ is what makes construction work of government projects very expensive,” he noted.

Senfuma was addressing engineers, surveyors and estate developers at a dinner to mark 50 years of the construction industry at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala recently.

He also criticised lawyers who promote the cancellation of government contracts, saying it leads to a lot of litigation on behalf of government.

Senfuma added that the creation of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets unit has also led to loss of government revenue due to court battles.

“Most government officials in decision making positions have little knowledge in the construction industry,” Senfuma noted.

He urged the Government to make the tendering process fair to all.

“I do not see why international firms like Roko should compete with local firms over small projects. They do not have the same capital. Let us categorise and reduce briefcase construction companies,” Senfuma said.

He noted that when tenders are given to international firms, the locals rarely benefit.

“International firms import the machinery, materials, consultants, truck drivers and loaders. So, how does a local Ugandan benefit?” he asked.

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