Bole blames dept for delaying kits distribution

BY REBECCA KUKU
THE Health Department is the one delaying the distribution of the 100 per cent medical kits, according to National Procurement Commission (NPC) chief executive officer Simon Bole.
Bole said every project began with the agencies which provided the scope and the funding, after that NPC started the procurement.
“During the process, we have a technical evalualution committee chaired by the deputy health secretary Dr Eva Lionel who assesses the bidders, and makes a recommendation to the NPC board,” he said.
“And the board awards the contracts to the companies recommended. The NPC’s role ends once the contract is signed.
“So our role ended on July 22 when the contract was signed.”
Bole clarified that the two contractors provided Southern Cross Insurance with 10 per cent guarantees which were accepted by the board.
“The delay is now with (the health department) who have not paid the mobilization fees so that the distributors can proceed with the distribution,” he said.
“The delay is not with NPC. We have done our part. It is now the (health department’s) turn.”
Bole said the NPC rejected only one application from a foreign company for the contract to distribute 100 per cent medical kits.
He told The National that the application was rejected because it was a foreign company.
The NPC and the department have been accusing each other and delaying the distribution of the medical kits.