The Ministry of Education says the delay in awarding the school feeding programme tender has not affected the estimated 300 000 learners at public schools countrywide.
The ministry said this in reaction to sources who claimed that the tendering process has come to a standstill due to a conflict of interests.
Last week Tuesday, the sources further claimed that the stalled N$50 million tender, which was advertised on September 24 and closed on October 15, 2013, has implications for children benefiting from the programme.
Education Ministry spokesperson Johanna Absalom told Namibian Sun that the ministry is evaluating the bids, after which it will submit recommendations to the Tender Board.
Absalom dismissed an allegation that a top official involved in the tender has earmarked four companies, names withheld, in which he has a stake.
“There is no delay in awarding the tender. The ministry is on par with the set target period. The ministry is [busy] with the evaluation process, after which the ministry will submit recommendations as required to the tender board of Namibia.
“The ministry is not aware of such a person linked in the tender process and would appreciate if [the] media can inform us so as to take necessary steps.
“Like any public institution, the ministry operates within [the] parameters of [the] Anti-Corruption Commission and all regulations that guide the ministry to operate within the law. We follow correct channels to report cases of conflict of interest,” said Absalom.
Absalom said the current tender, which runs until the end of the financial year, still has enough resources at hand, which are being utilised through exemptions granted by the Tender Board.
The new tender will run from April 2014 to April 2017, supplying salt, sugar, protein and maize meal for the school feeding programme.
“The tender was advertised to ensure that there is enough time to do evaluations and recommendations before the next financial year status. This tender will run from April to April.
“The ministry is hands-on to ensure that no food crises or shortages are experienced. Once the evaluation process has been concluded and recommendations approved by the Tender Board, the tender will start beginning of the new financial year,” Absalom said.
WINDHOEK FAITH SANKWASA