No decision yet on hostel food probe

NO formal decision has been taken yet on who will investigate alleged malpractices and tender rigging in the catering contracts for Government hostels and hospitals.

Education Minister Nangolo Mbumba is only expected back from leave today. The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Vitalis Ankama, said last week that the investigation would have to be conducted by an agency outside of the Ministry.Ankama issued a statement a week ago, in which he announced that an independent investigation would be launched into the allegations as contained in an article published by The Namibian entitled ‘School hostel food scare’ on January 6.The three-year tender for supplying food to school hostels, worth N$320 million plus cost escalation of five per cent a year, was last issued in 2003.* John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Vitalis Ankama, said last week that the investigation would have to be conducted by an agency outside of the Ministry.Ankama issued a statement a week ago, in which he announced that an independent investigation would be launched into the allegations as contained in an article published by The Namibian entitled ‘School hostel food scare’ on January 6.The three-year tender for supplying food to school hostels, worth N$320 million plus cost escalation of five per cent a year, was last issued in 2003.* John Grobler is a freelance journalist; 081 240 1587