Districts reminded to set up procurement committees

DISTRICTS have been reminded to set up procurement committees, if they have not done so, to push development projects forward, an official says.
Kenneth Thompson, the chairman of the National Procurement Commission, during swearing in of the committees from six districts, said that the deadline was on June 30.
“Establish the committees and rollout the impact development projects in the districts,” he said.
“People cannot wait.”
The committees sworn in were from Rai Coast and Middle Ramu (Madang), Mount Hagen (Western Highlands), Kagua-Erave (Southern Highlands), Kabwum (Morobe) and Central Bougainvill (ARoB) .
Kerowagi (Chimbu) and North Bougainville did not make it on time.
Thompson said having district committees was vital to get important goods and services and funds for development projects.
“This committee is very important as it decentralises the procurement powers to the districts and provinces,” he said.
“Previously, district chief executive officers had the power to sign up to K500,000 in project funds.
“It is limited by the Public Finance Management Act.
“We have huge development challenges in districts and provinces.
“With the establishment of the procurement committees, the threshold will be increased to K2.5 million.
“It is a big jump and a big win for rural people.”