The impact of the tendering process in the administration of Central Equatoria State Local Government systems; case study: impact of the tendering process on local government administration after the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in Juba County.

Abstract

The research was to assess the impact of tendering process on the local government administration in Juba county of Central Equatoria State to meet the required standard. In doing so, the researcher aimed to explore the tendering procedure employed for the acquisition of goods, works and services by local government administration, evaluate how tendering process affects local government administration in delivering services and to suggest possible remedies for the improvement of tendering process. A case-study approach was chosen since it brought about deeper understanding of the problem faced by local government administration during the process of tendering/bidding/contracting. Those problems included the way tenders were advertised to attract suppliers and the choice of media to communicate the tender, the quality of procured goods, works and services not meeting users satisfaction, the problem of staff qualification and professionalism, lack of documentation, the lack of procurement committee, lack of participation and involvement during tendering process, the problems of absence of legal frameworks governing tenders and if presence, they were applied partially or not at all. The remedies were also proposed to improve the tendering processes. The area of study is Juba County. This is the area where local government stakeholders and suppliers transact. Target population was local government officials who were directly linked to tendering process due to their experiences and expertise. The local government key suppliers because of their knowledge in the provisions of goods, works and services. The citizens represented by Boma chiefs/administrators were also involved as they are the beneficiaries of the tendered products by the local government administration, their knowledge is important for this research. The researcher employed purposive procedure; that was targeting those with relevant knowledge and skills in local government tendering (Local government internal stakeholders). Non probability sampling method was used to sample selection and size. Open and close-ended self administered questionnaires the researcher also conducted in-depth interviews from some respondents who may prefer to be rather interviewed than filling the questionnaires themselves. The researcher employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data since both methods complement and reinforce the quality of data making interpretation easier. During data analysis, a thematic analysis method was used. The research findings indicated according to the respondents pointing to the facts that very few constructions were tendered, documentation and documents exists partially, there were untrained staff in procurement, some institutions don’t advertise tenders, others don’t have procurement committee, legal frameworks were either partially followed or none at all. Some institutions don’t dispose depreciated items. There was dissatisfaction among stakeholders and suppliers on how tendering process was carried out in Juba County citing corruption, fraud, lack of transparency and nepotism. The study concluded that, tendering process in the procurement of goods, works and services is influenced by tendencies that reflect the interest of local government official who care more for goods and services for their comfort other than the general development of infrastructure the impact was great since many stakeholders expressed negative attitudes towards local government management of tendering process.