By Haja Adama Kamara.
The National Public Procurement Authority (NPPA) yesterday launched the 4th Quarter of the procurement price norm at the main conference hall, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Tower Hill, Freetown.
The price norm is a legal requirement that guides procurement officers to obtain value for money and is published on a quarterly basis as provided for by the NPPA Act, 2016.
The price norm also a control mechanism tool drawn from a holistic market survey of commonly used items but does not seek to control the process in the market.
The overall objective is to bring uniformity in prices across MDAs in undertaking their procurement activities and to ensure value for Money.
Chief Executive NPPA, Mr Ibrahim Briama Swarray revealed that the use of price norm is a must because it is the only reference point for procuring entities.
He further explained that he is doing continuous research and update on the changes in price in the market.
Mr Swarray said the Price Norm is a reliable, transparent document which encourages investors to invest in Sierra Leone as government cannot provide all the jobs that we need in our country because the working environment is so congested and everybody is looking for a government job.
He opined that the only way is to provide a conducive atmosphere that will be transparent to ensure big business men and international actors see how conducive our nation is to do business which will help to create employment.
He concluded that it is a moral responsibility for those of them that are in governance dealing with public funds to see how they can make use of public funds properly to see how investors and businesses can be encouraged to come to Sierra Leone.
He ended by saying that he wants people outside Sierra Leone to see data about and what they are doing with public funds.
Director Procurement Directorate, Ministry of Finance, Mr Fodey Konneh in his statement said as the year is coming to an end, the NPPA has chosen not to stay out of the activities of their calendar year and the event will close the publication of Price Norm for the Year 2021.
He added that the launching of the price Norm is for public education, for people to be aware about the strategic nature of price norm with the context of the core principles which is transparency.
Mr Konneh concluded that with the price Norm, suppliers will be able to understand the value and cost of items the tax payersโ money is used for in undertaking procurement activities, adding that the Price Norm is very strategic in enhancing the value for money.
Board Chairman, NPPA, Mr Alfred H. Kandeh also underscored the relevance of the price norm.
