A validation workshop aiming to assess findings of the Public Procurement System through the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS) and to put in place an effective mechanism to address weaknesses, was held on Monday, at Caudan Arts Centre in Port-Louis.
The Director General of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), Mr N. Beekarry; the Director of Public Procurement Office (PPO), Mr H. Rambhojun; and the Leader for the Assessment and Regional Procurement Coordinator, African Development Bank (AFDB), Mr A. Bilale, amongst others, were present.
The event is an initiative of the Government of Mauritius in collaboration with the AFDB with peer review and the technical support of the World Bank. A presentation on the findings of MAPS and assessment of strength, areas of improvement and recommendations, was also held.
In his address, Mr Beekarry stated that accountability, transparency and integrity are core pillars to fight corruption when dealing with Government funds for the procurement of supplies. He indicated that the review exercise on procurement is being carried out to avoid openings on corruption and ensure efficient delivery of services to the public.
He cautioned that the system is complex and vulnerable thereby giving rise to conflicts of interests. Hence, the need for Public Officers to perform their duties diligently with utmost integrity, honesty and transparency, he emphasised.
Corruption, he stated, is one of the most important aspect in the exercise, adding that it is inextricably linked to procurement. Procurement systems involve significant amount of funds and thus create greater opportunities for corruption, he added.
Mr Beekarry also spoke of the constant need to review and upgrade the procurement system as a result of emerging challenges in terms of technological development, Cryptocurrency and Blockchain.
Laws and institutions, he underlined, have a prominent role to play in the fight against corruption. In this regard, he stressed on the importance of implementing stringent laws and regulations and a proper follow up and monitoring system to prevent corruption.
