Sustaining the gains: ED makes new appointments
Executive Director Peggy Varfley Meres, as head of Secretariat is working around the clock to sustain the gains in the procurement reform program of Liberia and to engender a framework that would increase productivity and efficiency in the work of the Commission.
But one major challenge experienced over the years in the forward march of the Commission has been the acute shortage of trained monitoring and compliance personnel to effectively and efficiently monitor all procuring entities of Government.
To mitigate such problem, Mrs. Meres, through a competitive and transparent process, recruited twelve (12) junior compliance officers on November 1, 2011 to beef up the strength of Compliance and Monitoring Division.
As part of their job responsibilities, the officers will aid with updating, where necessary, the list of individuals on procurement committees and units of public entities; provide assistance in managing and ensuring that procurement and concession plans are delivered as and when due; alert and highlight procuring entities falling short of the provision of procurement and concession plans; and provide assistance in undertaking scheduled and unscheduled reviews of procurement and concession records and processes.
Other responsibilities include assisting with obtaining records on the performance of suppliers, contractors, consultants and concessionaires and help with investigation where necessary; and assist Compliance & Monitoring Officers and/or Director with developing a listing of businesses and/or individuals recommended for possible debarment by the Commission.
Meanwhile, the Commission has appointed Attorney Emmanuel Tulay as Director of Complaints, Appeals and Review. Attorney Tulay replaced Mr. Jackie Bruce who previously served in this capacity. He began active work with the Commission on November 1, 2011.
As per his job responsibilities, Atty. Tulay will ensure that effective documentation system is maintained for all complaints, appeals and reviews, and determine if a complaint, appeal or review should be forwarded to the Panel based on the law and regulations and advice the Executive Director. He will also ensure all documents for the Panel are gathered and prepared, and provide all support functions for the Panel.
Additionally, Atty. Tulay will provide analysis and brief to the Panel on the issue of the complaint, appeal and review for transmission to Panel by the Executive Director. He will also ensure safe custody of all complaints, appeal, and review documentation, and ensure stakeholders are aware of the processes and procedures for filing a complaint, appeal or review.
In a related development, Executive Director Peggy Varfley Meres is leaving no stone unturned at the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission to transform the system evidenced by the physical look of the structure hosting the Commission.
The transformation is being felt in every loops and corners of the Commission. From the ground floor to the top of the building, one can clearly see evidence of change. Even offices hosting Compliance and Monitoring Division that once presented a very ugly picture are now refurbished to the delight of staff and visitors. One can now feel the glamour of a responsible and mature leadership that is making the needed change, a change that will professionalize the system and restore morale among staff of the Commission.
The speed by which this transformation is taking place clearly points to the Commission’s resolve to move to another level under the able leadership of Mrs. Meres. There is no doubt therefore that the Commission, working together as a body is rising to the occasion, taking its rightful role in the fight against waste and abuse of public funds through public procurement.
