By Bampia James Bundu
Executive Director of Sierra Leone Roads Transport Authority (SLRTA) has told journalists in Freetown that whistleblowers are wrong to create the impression that she breached procurement rules. Dr. Sarah Finnah Bendu referred to those who she said were disguised as whistleblowers as “saboteurs” who are “bent on sabotaging” her administration. She specifically mentioned the bidding process that led to the purchase of two towing trucks, insisting that it was done in a transparent and credible manner and that all the required procedures were duly followed. She claimed that she had never claimed per diem for unofficial travels, and that she had never requested for any amount out of her travel allowance as stipulated by the Authority. “I will pretend as if this did not happen. If you are part of those whistle blowers I urge that you to stop your ‘pull him down syndrome’ as it will not work. Focus on your job in order to push the Authority forward,” she warned. Meanwhile, the procurement officer at SLRTA, Victor Labour, explained that the bidding document for the towing trucks and the wheel clamps were done in accordance with international competitive bidding standard and with the approval of the National Public Procurement Authority, NPPA. He confirmed that six firms had shown interest in the two lots that involved the purchase of the towing trucks and that of the purchase of wheel clamps. He confirmed that a special committee was appointed to evaluate the bidding documents and minutes of the process wereduly sent to NPPA for their approval before the agreement was signed between the Authority and Transport and Logistic Supplies. He said the two brand new towing trucks were worth $571,670, and were still in good working order.
