Selecting a contractor for Mpalapande

Last week, two truckloads of people drove from Iringa to the site of the Mpalapande Primary School. they were there to select a contractor for the project.

One car carried Bega Kwa Bega representatives Julia Hubbard, Russ Hilliard and Jo Whiting, along with Iringa Diocese officials, including General Secretary Nayman Chavalla, BKB DIRA Liaison Rev. Lusungu Msigwa, Projects Coordinator Amos Mkuye, Scholarship Clerk Frank Mkocha, and District Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti. The second car carried representatives from five of the seven contractors who submitted bids for the project.

They were met at the site by a large contingent of local people with interest in the project. Tungamalenga Parish Pastors Eva Msigwa, Bryson Msigwa, and Paulo Masinga were present. Representatives from the local village congregation and others from the parish partnership committee were present, as well as local village government officials. The group convened around noon.

The meeting opened with prayers and introductions. Then the bids were ceremoniously opened. Above, recent graduate and Mpalapande resident, Emmanuel Yusuphu, had the honor of opening the bids. As they were opened, General Secretary Chavalla announced each contractor, the amount of the bid and timeline for completion. According to reports received, the bids varied widely.

Next, a small committee was appointed to review the bids in detail.  Chaired by District Pastor Ambrose Mwakikoti, the seven members spent 90 minutes reviewing the bids, comparing not only amounts but factors such as prior experience, qualifications, and licensure. The Americans, BKB Program Coordinator Julia Hubbard, and Ambassador Russ Hilliard, observed on behalf of the donors.

The committee reached consensus, recommending that the General Secretary continue negotiations with two bidders, until a contract is negotiated.

Russ Hilliard reported, "The General Secretary then summarized for all the procedure to be followed from here on out, particularly his receipt of the committee's recommendations, his consideration of them, and the negotiation of the final contract with the successful bidder."

"One of the most important points the General Secretary made in his remarks was to explain the purpose of the gathering. Although the sealed bids could have been opened at the DIRA offices in Iringa, and analyzed and compared from there, it came back to the importance here of relationships.

The church and community representatives and contractors had an opportunity to meet at the site, learning and appreciating more about each other and the project at hand. The hope is to strengthen the shared commitment to the ultimate success of the construction, and the school."

There were closing remarks and prayers, and then a meal was served, prepared by the women of Mpalapande congregation.

Here at SOTV, we are following the progress with eagerness and gratitude for all who are working to make this school a reality for the children of Mpalapande and surrounding villages. Asante sana!