Gambiaj.com – (Banjul, the Gambia)- A government audit has uncovered major procurement irregularities in rehabilitating the Independence Stadium, involving unauthorised contract extensions and unapproved single sourcing.

According to the audit, the contract was extended to Phase 2B and Phase 3 at costs of more than GMD153 million and GMD83 million respectively. These extensions were not tendered and no addendum was prepared or approved by the Gambia Public Procurement Authority. Auditors warned that undocumented project variations risk breaching procurement laws and undermining transparency and accountability.

The report also found that GMD10 million was allocated for additional renovation works through single sourcing without GPPA approval.

The funds were meant for items such as a scoreboard, public address system, sprinklers, CCTV, field marking machines, lawnmowers, alternative seating numbers, fibre goalposts, lavatory works and interior painting of the main Bowi.

Auditors stated that bypassing competitive bidding can lead to inflated costs and poor value for public funds.

Both issues were classified as high priority, with recommendations for all contract extensions to follow proper documentation and for competitive bidding to be used unless justified and approved.

The audit stressed the need to comply with procurement regulations to protect public resources and ensure accountability.

Story by developed by Ebrima KB Sonko.