Ministry Denies Lavish Vehicle Purchases Amid Controversy
Ghita Mezzour, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, has issued a strong denial of rumors alleging the purchase of luxury vehicles by her ministry. Claims circulated suggesting that the ministry had acquired a vehicle costing 2.48 million dirhams and another priced at 1.27 million dirhams.
In a statement, Mezzour clarified that her ministry had initiated a public tender, published on the marchespublics.gov.ma portal under the number 4/24/MTNRA, for the acquisition of 17 vehicles. This tender includes four distinct lots. The third lot concerns the purchase of five mid-range sedan vehicles with a total budget of 1,273,104 dirhams, while the fourth lot involves the procurement of 10 hybrid vehicles totaling 2,479,908 dirhams. The tender's bid submissions are scheduled to be opened on May 16, 2024, at 10 a.m.
Regarding the tender's international scope, the ministry explained that tenders exceeding 1,000,000 dirhams must be open to international competitors, in accordance with Article 19 of Decree No. 2.22.431, which addresses public procurement and was issued on March 8, 2023. The statement further noted that international tenders are also open to domestic competitors, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
With this clarification, the ministry aims to correct any misunderstandings about its vehicle procurement process. It underscores its commitment to transparency and compliance with established public procurement regulations.