Review into ‘ambulances’

A R10 million tender awarded to a King William’s Town company to supply 100 ambulance scooters to the Eastern Cape department of health is under investigation.

The department confirmed that the bid adjudication committee had reviewed the processes followed in the awarding of the deal.

Provincial health department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said there had been “public discomfort” over the deal.

On 12 June, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize and Eastern Cape health MEC Sindiswa Gomba unveiled six scooters, fitted on the side with a bed and overhead gazebo, with a first-aid kit and oxygen on board.

On the day, Gomba announced the department had acquired 100 of these scooters from Fabkomp Pty Ltd to ferry patients from remote rural areas to clinics and hospitals.

Fabkomp owner Brian Harmse said at the launch the scooters were an answer to challenges faced by villagers, who had to carry the sick in wheelbarrows due to challenging terrain. Scooters were capable of riding on sand or gravel roads.

The scooter initiative sparked outrage across the country, with some people accusing the department of corruption. Many called for an inquiry into the acquisition of the scooters, questioning the figure and demanding transparency.

Manana said: “The [bid adjudication committee] is relooking at the processes so that in the event that we are challenged, we can be assured of a process that can stand the legal challenges. We are engaging with stakeholders, especially the portfolio committee, to ensure we find common ground.”

Harmse said he welcomed the review.

“The review is fair, and the oversight committee has to check that the process is fair and clean. They do this from time to time.”

Asked if he received payment for the 100 motorbikes, Harmse said: “No, we never got any money paid to us and we still do not have an order number, either.” – News24 Wire