UNDP commits partnership with PPCC

The Deputy Country Director for Programme at the United Nations Development Program Cleophas Torori has strongly declared that UNDP is pleased to partner with the Public Procurement, Concessions Commission (PPCC) to professionalize public procurement.

Mr. Torori said the PPCC’s commitment toward professionalizing public procurement will help to strengthen all public funds. He made the statement on Thursday, June 30, during a one-day PPCC annual forum held at the Monrovia City Hall in Sinkor.

He also noted that the significance of procurement in any public or private entity cannot be over emphasized, stating that at UNDP, procurement accounts for about 60 percent of delivery at the global level and in country offices, stressing this is the area that represents the single largest risk exposure often coming at great cost to reputation and integrity.

Mr. Torori said the first level two certificate training for 90 procurement staff in 2015 targeted 33 agencies, and that most of these staff did passed the test and are now certified. He said this is a continuing program and more staff will be reached besides moving to level 3 certification, describing the sexercise as critical in bringing procurement practice in Liberia on par with international standards.

The deputy UNDP boss further explained that his institution has worked with the PPCC in setting up call center within the commission, providing real-time procurement solutions and trouble-shooting as part of staff capacity development.

“Procurement is key focus of these audits, yielding benefits with the 2014 NIM audit receiving an unqualified audit opinion”, he noted. Mr. Torrori also commended the PPCC for decentralizing its work which is very valuable in complementing enhanced local service delivery by helping to create a robust procurement structure at county level.

By Zee Roberts-Editing by Jonathan Browne