Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) Takes Strides to Curb Overspending

In a decisive move aimed at ending the era of inflated tender prices, the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) has released a comprehensive 713-page document detailing market price references for common-use items. The initiative, valued at E10 billion annually, seeks to streamline public tenders and curb excessive spending on government supplies.

The exhaustive report, launched two weeks ago by Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg at Sibanesami Hotel, emerged from a meticulous survey conducted by ESPPRA in collaboration with the Eswatini Economic Policy Analysis and Research Centre (ESEPARC). The survey spanned all four regions of the country, namely Manzini, Shiselweni, Lubombo, and Hhohho.

According to ESPPRA, the market price survey exposed significant variations in the prices of goods and services supplied to the government. The new catalogue sets price limits, mandating that every public enterprise and government department adheres to these benchmarks when procuring goods.

The survey revealed that the extent of price disparities stemmed from various factors. Going forward, each entity procuring goods is obligated to reference the new market prices, marking a significant shift away from inflated tender prices.

ESPPRA CEO Vusi Matsebula emphasized the mandatory use of the catalogue, stating that any public entity deviating from it would be in breach of the Public Procurement Act of 2011. He further highlighted that suppliers would be briefed on the new market prices, and the Principal Secretary would play a crucial role in explaining the details during the presentation.

Under the new Market Price Reference, the catalogue specifies upper limit values for various regions, ensuring uniformity and transparency. For instance, a cabbage under ‘Fruits and Vegetables’ cannot be charged above E20.23 for the Lubombo region, E15.72 for Hhohho, E13.81 for Manzini, and E15.46 for Shiselweni.

The ESPPRA has recommended the implementation of regional procurement restrictions to stimulate economic activity in different regions. The agency also proposed creating an online registration platform for all suppliers and procuring entities, enforcing the use of the e-Catalogue, and regularly updating the list of commonly used items.

This proactive approach by the Eswatini government aims to enhance transparency, eliminate inflated tender prices, and promote fair competition among suppliers, ultimately resulting in more efficient and cost-effective public procurement.