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Another call for probe into R61m tender

A second political party on Tuesday asked the Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela, to investigate a tender that resulted in the KwaZulu-Natal Health Department paying R61 million to lease two mobile clinics. The DA’s request for an investigation into the R61m tender for the two mobile hospital clinics follows that of the IFP that was lodged towards the end of June. The now defunct South African Press Association (Sapa), reported in January that the KZN health department had awarded the R61m contract to two companies – Mzansi Lifecare and Mobile Satellite Technologies. Mzansi Lifecare was awarded a tender to lease one of the trucks and trailer, equipped with a standard X-ray machine and ultrasound, to the department.

At the end of the lease period next year, the department would not own the clinics. The DA’s request follows an unsuccessful attempt by the party to obtain information on the lease through a Public Access to Information Act (PAIA) application. In the letter, which Dr Imran Keeka wrote to Madonsela, Keeka claimed that MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo had failed to answer parliamentary questions and also ignored questions submitted to the public protector during the provincial health debate. He said the department had failed to acknowledge the DA’s PAIA application. “I am led to believe that the tender referred to hereinabove, was irregularly awarded. Since all of the steps taken have yielded nothing and have either been avoided or evaded, it must be deduced that my initial belief is substantiated,” Keeka said. “We have exhausted all our options in trying to get answers. The department has shown a total disregard for the process and platform. In the spirit of democracy, all dealings have to be open and fair.”

When the Daily News tried to contact Dhlomo today, his spokesman said he would be available later. Oupa Segalwe, spokesman for the public protector, confirmed the DA’s request had been received.

Source: www.iol.co.za

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Another call for probe into R61m tender

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