Transparent procurement increases women's participation in construction sector in Somaliland

When local government outsources services, it needs to demonstrate that public resources are being used effectively and the process of allocating these resources is transparent. A transparent process builds incremental trust between local government and citizens.

Joint Programme on Local Governance (JPLG) supported Hargeisa local government to conduct a fire station feasibility study and produce a workable design with an estimate of the materials required for the construction, known as the “Bill of Quantities.” In October 2016, a project advertisement was placed in the local newspapers inviting potential contractors to bid for the construction of the fire station, as well as other Local Development Fund (funded) projects.

When local government outsources services, it needs to demonstrate that public resources are being used effectively and the process of allocating these resources is transparent. A transparent process builds incremental trust between local government and citizens.

JPLG supported Hargeisa local government to conduct a fire station feasibility study and produce a workable design with an estimate of the materials required for the construction, known as the “Bill of Quantities.” In October 2016, a project advertisement was placed in the local newspapers inviting potential contractors to bid for the construction of the fire station, as well as other Local Development Fund (funded) projects.

Asha regularly checks the local newspapers for Hargeisa local government/JPLG tender advertisements. She bid for the Kodbur fire station, along with 30 other bidders. On November 17, she attended the meeting where the contract was awarded; she successfully won the construction contract.

“I am inspired and encouraged to apply for these tenders because the procurement process is fair. The process is really important. At the bid opening there are many people present including the Procurement Officer and representatives from the Procurement Committee, Ministry of Finance, engineers, JPLG and representatives from companies who have put in a bid. One of the best parts of the process is that if you lose the bid, you can speak with the Procurement Committee directly and they will provide rationale and justification as to why you lost. I am happy with that. If you are fortunate to win the contract, you are invited to attend a workshop involving the local government, communities and contractors so each understand fully their role and responsibilities in the construction process.”

Asha continues: “The procurement process for the fire station felt nice. When local government establishes a transparent procurement process, it gives me confidence that government is working and can deliver to citizens in other ways.” When asked about being a woman in a male dominated sector, Asha replies: “It is not a problem, the men know me and I can hold my ground.”

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JPLG is comprised of five UN agencies (ILO, UNCDF, UNDP, UN-HABITAT and UNICEF) and together with partners, the Government of Somaliland and donors, has been providing support to strengthen the role and capacity of local governments to deliver services to citizens in Somaliland since 2008. JPLG is supported by the European Commission, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and UK Aid.

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