Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has noted with concern the article published in the Botswana Guardian titled “P150m Smart Meters Tender Exposes BPC Rot.”

The article contains allegations of corruption and impropriety relating to Tender No. 7392/25-01: Supply and Delivery of Single Phase and Three Phase Split Smart Meters and Customer Interface Units.

These allegations are false, misleading and fail to present the facts surrounding the procurement process. While BPC respects and welcomes the role of the media, it is equally important that reporting on matters of public procurement is factual, balanced and grounded in evidence.

To this effect, it is imperative for BPC to clarify the facts surrounding this procurement.

The tender was duly floated on 28 November 2025 through an Open International Bidding process intended to maximise competition and secure value for money for the Corporation and its valued customers.

The adjudication, which is one of the prescribed stages of the procurement process, was then conducted in accordance with the provisions of the applicable procurement framework.

Following the adjudication, bidders were notified of the provisional award, and the outcome which includes the bidders’ prices and ranking. This was subsequently published on the BPC website www.bpc.bw on the 23 July 2026.

To date, no final award has been confirmed, pending the conclusion of the procurement process.

Given the above, the article’s characterisation of the procurement process as corrupt is misleading and appears calculated to create confusion, cause reputational harm to the Corporation and the integrity of its leadership.

In conclusion,  BPC assures it valued customers that, it remains committed to transparency, accountability, fairness and compliance with the procurement processes while supporting Citizen Economic Empowerment (CEE) objectives, safeguarding reliable service delivery and consumer protection.