29 Nov 2015

Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso says she is aware that there was inadequate supply of some food items in primary schools in Ghanzi North constituency.

She said UHT milk had no supply at all since October 26 due to delays in the signing of the contract, and that the award was made in June 2015 whilst the contract was signed in October 2015 as the supplier was still preparing his performance bond.

“Beans were out of stock in August and September 2015 and an interim supply was sourced from Tsabong and Shakawe depots,” said Ms Tshireletso.

She said the last delivery of stewed steak with gravy was in September 2015,  and that  the procurement process was continuing. She added that all food commodities should reach normal levels by January 2016.

“Only vegetable oil, stewed steak and UHT milk are still centralised for economies of scale and the rest of the food commodities are procured through district tender committees and council adjudication committees. I therefore have no intention to give authority to school managers for management of the primary school feeding programme,” Ms Tshireletso said.   

The MP for Ghanzi North, Mr Noah Salakae had asked the minister if she was aware that the feeding programme at all primary schools in Ghanzi North constituency had been hit by inadequate supply of the recommended menu since 26 October 2015.

He also wanted to know the description of the menu of the food items which have been in short or adequate supply or even no supply at all and the reasons thereof.

Mr Salakae further asked when they should expect the supply of food to be normalised and the names of companies which have won the tenders for the current supply of food to all the schools in Ghanzi North constituency.

He also asked the minister whether he would consider decentralising power to give authority to school managers to administer and or manage the whole process of the feeding process. Ends