PFMU,Finance Ministry Exposed

Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh Implicated….

In a concerning turn of events, the Public Financial Management Unit (PFMU) has allegedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for the authority of the Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP), raising serious questions about the integrity and accountability of procurement practices in Sierra Leone. The IPRP was established as a statutory body to oversee procurement processes, ensuring compliance with standards set forth by law. This erosion of respect for the IPRP not only undermines its credibility, but also jeopardizes the effective management of public funds and donor resources.

Recent incidents have brought to light the PFMU’s disdain for the IPRP’s mandate. In a recent bid evaluation process surrounding the contract for the supply, installation, and integration of the Bank of Sierra Leone’s Data Center, two bidders lodged formal complaints with the IPRP, asserting that they were unfairly evaluated. Such complaints are a troubling reflection of a broader pattern of behavior that suggests the PFMU is unyielding and unresponsive to statutory oversight.

The duplicity was further underscored by Mr. Wai, the Team Leader of the PFMU, who openly dismissed the findings of the IPRP. His arguments, which leaned on the premise of document sensitivity, show a troubling lack of appreciation for transparency and accountability. It is unacceptable for the PFMU to undermine the work of an established statutory authority, which exists to protect the interests of all stakeholders involved in the procurement process.

This, according to investigation, was because the Team Leader at PFMU, Wai, is allegedly working underground to ensure that the contract be awarded to Multi-Tech and GIS Transport owned by Lebanese and Nigerians, whose scope of work have nothing to do with what the bidding contract document requires. It is understood that PFMU Team Leader, Wai, was placed at PFMU with the help of Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinia Sengeh. Reports further suggests that Wai is the man working underground to raise funds for Sengeh ahead of his political aspiration. The biggest blunder in all of this is to allow donor funds fall into the wrong hands, with the two joint-companies already handpicked, having nothing to do with the required specific contract other than just solar installation.

By failing to acknowledge the legitimacy of the IPRP, the PFMU risks fostering an environment where procurement decisions lack oversight and fairness. The very purpose of the IPRP is to act as a watchdog, ensuring that procurement processes are conducted in accordance with the law. Ignoring its authority not only threatens the integrity of projects funded by the government and international donors, but also erodes public trust in the procurement system as a whole.

Moreover, the reported attempts by the Ministry of Finance to seek legal opinions on the release of sensitive bidding information further illustrate a desire to evade accountability rather than promote a transparent procurement environment. Such actions give rise to suspicions of impropriety, particularly when there is a suggestion that the goal is to hinder competitors, notably Smart Network Solutions Limited and Computer Shop, as strong candidates for many projects due to their relevant experience.

See more in our next edition….