A complaint lodged by Tiwai Memory Masters Ltd against the procurement process for a major World Bank-funded digital infrastructure project has raised concerns about how procurement disputes could delay the implementation of critical government development programmes.
The company recently filed a complaint with the Independent Procurement Review Panel (IPRP), alleging irregularities in the procurement process for the Supply, Installation, Implementation and Support of Government Wide Area Networks (GWAN) and Government Local Area Networks (GLANs) across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) under the Sierra Leone Digital Transformation Project.
According to the IPRP, the complaint was submitted on September 21, 2026, pursuant to provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2016. The Panel has acknowledged receipt of the complaint and is reviewing the allegations to determine whether there are sufficient grounds for further investigation.
The project, valued at approximately US$50 million and funded by the World Bank, is being implemented by the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation as part of efforts to strengthen digital connectivity and service delivery across government institutions.
Sources familiar with the procurement process said the Ministry had invited bids through a public advertisement in line with established procurement procedures. Following the technical evaluation stage, participating bidders were reportedly informed of their scores through a letter dated September 15, 2026, and invited to attend the financial bid opening scheduled for September 29.
According to sources, Tiwai Memory Masters challenged the technical score awarded to it by the evaluation committee. The company reportedly received a score of 88.86 percent but argued that it should have been awarded 96 percent.
The concerns raised by the company were subsequently addressed by the project’s management team. Sources said a detailed response was provided by the Project Coordinator and reviewed by the World Bank as the funding institution.
Despite that response, Tiwai proceeded to escalate the matter through formal complaints to procurement oversight bodies and through public channels.
Observers note that while bidders have a legitimate right to seek administrative review of procurement decisions, such disputes should be handled through established procedures to avoid unnecessary delays to projects considered important to national development.
The complaint has also drawn attention to the broader challenge of balancing procurement accountability with the need to ensure the timely implementation of donor-funded programmes.
Meanwhile, allegations have surfaced regarding Tiwai Memory Masters’ performance on previous contracts awarded by public institutions. Sources claim that some Ministries, Departments and Agencies have expressed concerns over project delivery, although no official statements have been issued publicly to substantiate those claims.
One source alleged that the Ministry of Transport and Aviation is considering terminating a contract awarded to the company over performance-related concerns. However, no official confirmation of that claim has been obtained.
Efforts to obtain a response from Tiwai Memory Masters regarding the allegations were unsuccessful as of press time. The company had not responded to requests for comment.
The IPRP has emphasized that its review process is intended to uphold transparency, fairness and compliance with public procurement regulations, particularly in projects financed by development partners. The Panel said further updates will be provided as its review progresses.