17 Feb 2015

The shortage of stationery in almost all primary schools in the Takatokwane constituency was caused by the delays in the procurement processes.

Answering a question in Parliament on February 16, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Frans Van Der Westhuizen, explained that tenders for supply of stationery were prepared in May 2014 for supply of stationary in October 2014 for the 2015 school calendar beginning of January 6, 2015.

However, he said, during the adjudication process, it was realised that there were some flaws relating to packaging of the tender, and it could therefore not be awarded in time to procure and supply stationery as planned.

Mr Van Der Westhuizen further said upon realising that there were going to be further delays in re-tendering, Letlhakeng Sub-district requested to use the running stationery tender already awarded by Molepolole/Lentsweletau administrative authority in December 2014.

“This is the plan that the sub-district adopted and is currently implementing to address the supply of stationery to primary schools in Takatokwane Constituency, he added.

Parliament was also told that the supplier delivered the first consignment on January 30 this year and they have all been delivered to schools in Takatokwane Constituency.The second and last consignment was expected to be made on January 17, and would be distributed to all schools in the Letlhakeng Sub District from February 19.

Takatokwane MP, Mr Ngaka Ngaka had asked if the minister was aware that there was a shortage of stationery in almost all primary schools in the Takatokwane Constituency.

 He also wanted to know what led to the shortage and what plans were in place to supply stationery to the primary schools as well as when the would be supplied. ENDS