The distribution of food aid to an estimated 345 000 people in need has been delayed by official bureaucracy and the allocation of tenders to firms that do not have the capacity to deliver.

Secretary to Cabinet, Frans Kapofi, who is also Chairperson of the National Emergency Management System (NEMS), said: "Promises [on the delivery of aid] were made while the system was practically not ready on the ground."

Kapofi told The Namibian yesterday the delays were "not a proper reflection of Government" and should not give the impression that Government "does not care".

"I would like to apologise to the public. I would like to assure the people that a due process has to take place ... it's not like the distribution of four or fives tins of beans or fish. This is a big operation," he said
Kapofi warned firms that landed contracts to supply food but which might not have the capacity to do so to ensure they delivered the aid as required or face the consequences.

"These are people who wanted to cash in. They will affect our operations, but they will have a price to pay if they don't deliver to a certain point ... there will be a penalty for sure," said the top official.

He said the tenders were allocated to bidders who offered "market-related prices".

'This is an emergency but you have to know the Government has to buy ... the due process has to be followed," he said.

The Secretary to Cabinet said the food is likely to be distributed by next week as NEMS has now finalised the tenders.

Previously the Emergency Management Unit in the Prime Minister's Office had promised that the distribution of aid would start by October 14.

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