PROCUREMENT IRREGULARITIES AT FREE EDUCATION SECRETARIAT
…CSO Raises Concerns
The Citizen’s Forum for Democratic Accountability (C4D) has expressed grave concerns over alleged irregularities in the procurement processes at the Sierra Leone Free Education (FEP) secretariat, which it said are critical for educational initiatives in Sierra Leone. In a correspondence dated September 9, C4D highlighted issues with the procurement of essential resources for the Teacher Licensure programme and the One Tablet Per School (OTPS) initiative, both supported by the World Bank.
The first concern raised by C4D involves the supply of toners for the Teacher Licensure examination, which has reportedly stalled and is now entangled in legal disputes. Despite an inaccurate report suggesting completion of this component, the delay poses a significant obstacle to the progress of educators and undermines transparency and accountability in the process, said Marcus Bangura, executive director of C4D.
The second issue brought to light is the procurement of Solar Tablets for the OTPS initiative, which has been marred by allegations of irregularities. C4D indicates that there are credible evidence suggesting gross misconduct within the Free Education Project Secretariat, leading to unnecessary delays and casting doubts among stakeholders. The governance watchdog has now called on the World Bank to investigate these allegations promptly, particularly regarding the testing of samples, and recommended the involvement of an independent body to oversee the procurement process.
C4D emphasized the urgency of addressing these concerns, as the citizens of Sierra Leone cannot afford to lose vital resources earmarked for educational purposes due to procurement errors. The resistance from the Procurement Specialist and the Project Coordinator not only impedes progress but also erodes trust in initiatives meant for the citizens’ advancement.
The appeals from C4D underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in procurement processes for educational initiatives in Sierra Leone. The World Bank’s intervention and the implementation of independent oversight are crucial steps to safeguarding the interests of the Sierra Leonean population and ensuring the effective delivery of quality education programs, Marcus Bangura stated.