A $21,908,500 contract awarded by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Transport and Aviation for the delivery of 241 vehicles has come under intense scrutiny following significant delays and alleged procurement irregularities.

An audit revealed that only 45 vehicles had been delivered as of August 2024, leaving 196 outstanding more than a year after the contract was signed with West African Distribution Motors (WAD Motors) on February 17, 2023. The vehicles, meant for paramount chiefs, judges, and public officials, were to be delivered within two to four months, according to the contract terms.

The audit uncovered a series of concerning irregularities, including:

  • Discrepancies in Supplier Lists: The procurement committee initially identified five suppliers on January 25, 2023. However, meeting minutes dated January 26, 2023, included six suppliers, with only WAD Motors matching the initial list.
  • Missing Documentation: Key procurement documents, including bidding records, technical evaluations, and performance security reports, were not made available for audit inspection.
  • Improper Delivery: The 45 vehicles delivered were handed over unregistered and without licenses or insurance, raising questions about compliance and safety.

The Ministry of Transport claimed that the audit reviewed minutes from a different procurement process involving other government entities. However, auditors countered that the reviewed minutes matched those previously examined and reiterated the unresolved discrepancies in supplier lists.

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The Ministry also stated that bidding documents were in the procurement file but acknowledged a lack of clarity in identifying them during the audit. This claim was dismissed as auditors noted that no such documents were submitted for inspection.

The auditors maintained that key issues—including missing vehicles, absent technical evaluations, and unverified ownership documents—remain unresolved. This failure to address critical concerns casts doubt on the ministry’s management of the contract and its ability to ensure accountability.

The auditors recommended that the procurement committee chairman:

  1. Explain Supplier Discrepancies: Justify the inclusion of additional bidders not initially identified.
  2. Provide Missing Documentation: Submit technical evaluations, performance securities, ownership documents, and proof of vehicle registration and insurance for inspection.

With $21.9 million at stake, the unresolved issues raise significant concerns about procurement practices and accountability. The Ministry’s inability to address discrepancies could undermine public trust and result in further scrutiny from oversight bodies.