This move aims to address advancement in technology, the proliferation of new vehicle models and sustainability considerations, as well as to streamline government vehicle acquisition and ensure the purchasing processes align with national standards and policies.
In his remarks, Phoday M. Jaiteh, Director General of GPPA, posited that the economic development of any country significantly depends on the effectiveness of its public expenditure and the performance of its public procurement system.
“The Public procurement system is complex and cuts across all sectors of the economy; it is a strategic development tool that can be used to achieve policy goals of the Government to deliver public services to improve the lives and wellbeing of citizens,” he said.
DG Jaiteh explained that incorporating responsible business standard such as the vehicle specification standard into the buying policy of government will promote social responsibility and sustainable development practices which will optimize value for money and minimize risk of misprocurement, minimize waste and environmental damage, lower carbon footprint, and promote the circular economy/green products.
He said GPPA is also partnering with GIEPA and stakeholders to develop a Local content bill that will promote contents made in The Gambia, support SMEs, women led business, youth enterprises and mainstream the physically challenged in public procurement.
“The local content policy will increase employment, enable industry growth, and protect Gambian citizens' employment rights,” he said.
For his part, Papa Secka, Director General of The Gambia Standard Bureau, underscored the significance of the initiative, acknowledging that the revision and updating of the Standard for vehicle specifications is timely given that it was published in the Government Gazette in 2021.
The development of this Standard, he said, was undertaken by the Technical Committee for Transportation, and members were drawn from all the registered vehicle dealers, government regulatory and oversight institutions, consumer representatives and independent experts.
Mr Secka cited that the vehicle specifications define the classifications for various types of commercially available vehicles, as well as minimum technical, quality, and optional equipment specifications.
The standards, he added, cover both performance, operational elements, and it also ensures the vehicles they procure are safe, durable, and economical, and to provide uniformity in the acquisition process.
He emphasised that vehicle specifications are essential in procurement by facilitating an informed decision and determining if a particular vehicle meets defined purpose or preference using the standard as the basis.
Secka postulated that they would achieve their goal to update the standards in such a way that all stakeholders will be satisfied with the standard and are capable of addressing the current challenges on procurement and quality.
