…as committee also demands suspension of PS Koele, DPS Ntoane

Mohloai Mpesi

MINISTER of Public Works and Transport, Matjato Moteane, says he remains committed to his duties despite a scathing Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report recommending his dismissal.

According to the PAC report seen by the Sunday Express, the committee has suggested that Mr Moteane be fired, accusing him of conflict of interest in the M184 million Moshoeshoe 1 International Airport refurbishment project.

The report, expected to be tabled in the National Assembly this week, states that Mr Moteane’s company, Khatleli Tomane Architects, was “irregularly” subcontracted by LSP Construction (PTY) Ltd for the lucrative project to refurbish Moshoeshoe 1 international airport.

However, Mr Moteane has previously told the Lesotho Times, that he resigned from the company upon assuming his ministerial position after the October 2022 general elections.

“The Committee has identified serious conflicts of interest in the tender process for the project under review. These conflicts raise concerns about transparency, fairness, and compliance with the Public Procurement Act, 2023.

“It was found that Khatleli Tomane Architects, whose profile was included in LSP Construction’s submission, previously had the current Minister of Public Works and Transport as a shareholder.

“Section 59(1)(c) of the Public Procurement Act, 2023, explicitly states that: ‘A public official involved in requisition, planning, preparing, disposal, issuing approval, and conducting a procurement proceeding shall avoid a conflict of interest and the appearance of a conflict of interest in their official duties and conduct’. The fact that a company linked to a sitting minister was associated with the bid creates a perceived or actual conflict of interest, which undermines public trust in the procurement process,” the report reads.

The PAC further states that Mr Moteane violated the cooling-off period, which bars ministers and senior civil servants from engaging in business with the government due to their influence and access to privileged information.

“The minister violated this provision as the tender in question was advertised less than a year after he assumed office, and his firm tendered for it. In discussions with the committee, the minister stated that Khatleli Tomane Architects had set a two-year period during which he would be regarded as free from the company.

“Furthermore, the minister’s resignation from the firm came after the Expression of Interest was published and advertised in local newspapers. This raises concerns about the transparency of the tender process,” the report states.

Despite the report’s findings, Minister Moteane told the Sunday Express on Friday that he would continue carrying out his duties, particularly the refurbishment of the airport, pending the allocation of the proposed M108.5 million for the project.

The Natural Resources Committee has made it clear that it will not approve the proposed M108.5 million budget for the airport’s overhaul.

Furthermore, the Portfolio Committee on the Economic and Development Cluster has also, in its special report on the rehabilitation of Moshoeshoe I International Airport, recommended the immediate cancellation and re-tendering of the LSP Construction contract, ensuring the new tendering process aligns with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit recommendations.

The PAC has alleged the tender was rigged in favour of LSP Construction.

The PAC has also called for the suspension of Principal Secretary (PS) T?epang Koele, Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) Katiso Ntoane, and Director of Build Design Service (BDS) Motheba Letsoela, pending investigations into their alleged misconduct.

“Suspension of the PS, Deputy DPS, and Director of BDS pending investigation. Immediate removal of the Minister of Public Works and Transport for conflict of interest and alleged misconduct. Immediate cancellation of the LSP contract and re-tendering under an open international competitive process. New tendering process should align with ICAO audit report recommendations on safety and aviation standards…,” the report states.

The report also stresses the need to strengthen procurement oversight.

It urges “strengthening procurement oversight to prevent similar occurrences in future government projects.”

Although Mr Moteane declined to comment extensively, citing that the report had not yet been tabled in Parliament and that he had not seen it. He said he was uncertain whether Prime Minister Sam Matekane will consider firing him. However, he acknowledged that the decision rested with the Prime Minister.

“You are a day or two early with this story. Right now, we are discussing the allocation of the financial budget. By this afternoon or before Tuesday, we will know how Parliament pronounces itself on this issue. Only then can I comment. Before that, I can’t.

“I don’t know whether the Prime Minister is considering firing me. He will decide once he hears the news. But we are still waiting for the official report. The one you are quoting has not been tabled in Parliament, so we are discussing an issue that has yet to be formally presented.

“Indeed, I refuse to comment. As tempting as it might be to respond to this report, I will continue doing my job. My focus remains on securing the necessary funds to refurbish the airport,” Mr Moteane said.

He also said once his ministry is allocated the requested M108.5 million, the airport construction would proceed.

“Once we receive the funds, we will continue with the airport project. We are making good progress at the moment.

“When the report is tabled on Monday, I will study it and respond accordingly. It will contain recommendations, and I will address them. As of now, I only hear about them from unofficial sources.

“The Prime Minister will make a decision when the time is right. He will probably hear my side of the story as well,” he said.

Contacted for comment, Mr Matekane said that he could not speak on the matter as he had not seen the report.

“I have not heard about that report. I have not had access to it. The PAC has not provided it to me, so I am not aware of its contents or recommendations,” Mr Matekane said.

Asked whether he would implement the recommendations once he accessed the report, he reiterated:

“I can’t comment on something I have not seen.”