Renowned Printer Rolaan Enterprises Drags FEPS to IPRP Over Alleged Willful Disqualification
The ambitious Free Quality Education initiative, a flagship program of President Maada Bio, finds itself under increasing threat as ongoing procurement controversies cast doubt on its integrity and transparency.
Most recently, Rolaan Enterprises, a reputable and well-known printing house, has taken the Free Education Project Secretariat (FEPS) to the Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP). The company alleges that their bid for the contract to print Primary 2 textbooks was deliberately disqualified a move they describe as a pattern of unfair treatment.
This dispute is not isolated. It forms part of a disturbing pattern of procurement irregularities that have repeatedly plagued FEPS more than four times particularly in projects funded by the World Bank, which demands strict adherence to procurement standards.
Concerns are mounting that if these issues persist, they could jeopardize the success of Sierra Leone’s educational reforms and damage its reputation with international donors.
Stakeholders and watchdog groups are calling on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to scrutinize the procurement practices at FEPS. There is an urgent need for a transparent and accountable process to restore public confidence and ensure those qualified like Rolaan Enterprises are given the fair opportunity to contribute to national development.
The integrity of the procurement process must be preserved, especially for projects that directly impact the future of Sierra Leone’s children. It is time for decisive action to curb the rising tide of procurement scandals.