Mohloai Mpesi
MINISTRY of Public Works and Transport Principal Secretary (PS), Tšepang Koele, faced intense questioning from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) this week over the controversial awarding of the Moshoeshoe I International Airport refurbishment tender.
The PAC alleged that the tender was granted to her boss’s company, Khatleli Tomane Architects, creating a serious conflict of interest.
The PAC claimed that the Public Works and Transport Minister, Matjato Moteane, was a shareholder in Khatleli Tomane Architects despite his protestations to the country. As such, the awarding of a tender under his ministry to a company he has ties with was deemed inappropriate.
PAC members were so incensed that they threatened to have Ms Koele jailed for lying to the committee about the tender.
The Lesotho Times had broken the story about Khatleli Tomane Architects having ties to Mr Moteane earlier this month. This then prompted the PAC to launch an inquiry.
Ms Koele insisted that the main tender was awarded to LSP Construction, and that Khatleli Tomane Architects only received a subcontract. She also claimed that Mr Moteane had relinquished his shareholding in the architectural firm in 2022. However, her explanations seemed to further frustrate the committee.
“We awarded the tender to LSP Construction as the main contractor,” Ms Koele explained. “MPAMOT (Pty) Ltd was engaged as Civil Structural Engineers and Project Manager, while Khatleli and Tomane Architects were brought in as the architects under LSP Construction.”
The PAC, led by Chairperson ‘Machabana Lemphane-Letsie, rejected her reasoning, pointing out that the minister’s connection to Khatleli Tomane Architects raised significant ethical concerns.
“The company was originally called Khatleli, Tomane, and Moteane Architects,” Ms Lemphane-Letsie argued.
“Unless you provide proof that he sold his shares and did not assign them to a proxy, this is a clear conflict of interest.”
She questioned Ms Koele further: “Did the Minister not work with Khatleli Tomane Architects before? Is it not true that he was a shareholder?”
“Yes, it is like that,” Ms Koele admitted.
Ms Lemphane-Letsie remained resolute.
“So, Khatleli and Tomane is a company that I know very well, and your minister is a shareholder—unless you show me proof to the contrary. He awarded a tender to LSP, and LSP then rewarded him by hiring his company. And you don’t see a conflict of interest?”
Ms Koele reiterated that Mr Moteane no longer held shares in the company.
“He stopped being a shareholder in November 2022. When we reviewed their tender documents, there was no mention of his name,” she said.
However, Ms Lemphane-Letsie dismissed this explanation.
“No, it’s not about what’s written. A shareholder’s name can be omitted, but they can still have ownership through other means. Did you know that this company was previously his? That alone constitutes a conflict of interest. He may have removed his name, but he is still involved, and he is benefiting from tenders awarded to this company.”
Ms Koele struggled to provide additional evidence requested by the committee, which only angered the PAC further. Ms Lemphane-Letsie fumed over her reluctance to be transparent, warning that her silence could be interpreted as confirmation of the allegations.
“I’m giving you a chance to dispel the propaganda surrounding this tender. If you fail to provide evidence, it will mean that the media reports about the Minister awarding a tender to his company are true. Propaganda spreads quickly, and if left unaddressed, it becomes fact. This is your chance to refute it in front of the media and this committee.”
Ms Koele attempted to explain the tendering process, stating that the ministry had opted for a design-and-build model due to its efficiency.
“We decided to repair the Moshoeshoe I Airport roof through this method, which allows the contractor to bring in the necessary expertise, including architects, structural engineers, and safety professionals. The tender was advertised in local newspapers, and three companies submitted bids.
“I did not give the minister a tender. We awarded the contract to LSP Construction for the roofing project. Khatleli and Tomane Architects were subcontracted by LSP.”
However, another Committee member, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, suggested placing Ms Koele under oath, accusing her of being evasive.
“This issue is serious, and we need the PS to be truthful. Ministers and officials involved in corruption must face the courts. If necessary, the police should arrest her,” Mr Mokhothu said.
Ms Lemphane-Letsie also called for accountability, highlighting provisions of the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.
“A person who refuses to answer lawful questions from Parliament or a committee commits an offence. PS Koele must provide the truth. Otherwise, she will face consequences,” she warned.
The PAC hinted at calling other officials, including the Director of Building Design Services, Motheba Letsoela, and Architectural Assistant Mohloki Monne, for further questioning.
Ms Lemphane-Letsie also said, “The PS will not leave this room until she tells the truth. This committee will not tolerate dishonesty.”
Despite Ms Koele’s repeated denials, the PAC remained unconvinced, vowing to investigate further to address allegations of corruption and conflicts of interest in the tender process.
