Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC), a wholly owned by the government of Lesotho power supply company, says it is now diverting its attention to become local bias when it offers subcontracts or seek services. “We encourage our local business owners where they lack capacity to partner with foreign manufacturers and benefit when our company allocate tenders,” said Refiloe Matekane, the board chairperson at a meeting with local suppliers on January 10.
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Jan. 17, 2019
2 min read
LEC looks local
The new policy according to Matekane, means that even if the LEC had to look somewhere for service, “Lesotho suppliers will be given a priority and will be preferred over a foreign based supplier.” Suppliers wishing to conduct business with LEC usually apply for approval using the forms and the power utility company is traditionally looking at; electrical contractors, service providers, contractors and suppliers of goods, among others. While Basotho suppliers would be given first preference, Matekane warned that their businesses should compliant with the requirements such as being registered businesses and follow the criteria that would be released soon to provide guidelines on the allocation of tenders.
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As a teaser on how far Basotho can benefit, Matekane the LEC was currently requiring over M10 million worth equipment and encouraged locals to never lose such an opportunity. “Go and mobilise fellow local suppliers and manufacturers so that procurement can be on local brands,” he urged citing as example the fact that Basotho could produce local branded poles that connect electricity wires as there are such resources in the country. LEC is currently continuing to facilitate the connection of new customers to the electricity grid, through their individual funding or under the Government’s rural electrification roll-out programme. The company is also the sole custodian of the electricity grid and has the mandate to sustainably manage the grid and associated assets. It performs these functions in order to provide reliable, sustainable, affordable and quality electricity supply to customers.
The LEC says the new ‘homeward-looking’ policy is informed by its mission to provide reliable, safe, environmentally friendly and quality electricity for sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life for the people of Lesotho. Interested suppliers are expected to complete application forms which the supplier must submit to LEC Procurement Office. Successful suppliers will be contacted to submit quotations when there is need for supply in their area of business.
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