Procurement Of 156 Ambulances Not Scandalous – Govt
Minister of Local Government says there is no scandal in the procurement of the 156 ambulances under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) worth US$13 million, as due diligence was conducted before awarding contracts to the two suppliers.
Out of the 156 ambulances ordered by Government through Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) from Ace Pharmaceuticals and Aqueous Investments, only 11 have so far been delivered.
Delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament on procurement of the Ambulances, Gary Nkombo said his Ministry has not received or seen any report from the Auditor General or any other government agency questioning the procurement method, price or delivery of the vehicles.
Mr. Nkombo revealed that out of the five companies that participated in the tender, two citizen suppliers namely Ace Pharmaceuticals Limited and Aqueous Investments were awarded and signed a contracted to supply and deliver 78 basic life support Ambulances each.”
“The contract is valid for 18 months, effective 10th of May, 2024. In line with the law, each of the successful company was paid a sum of US$1.5 million as a 25 percent down payment.”
“The delivery of these Ambulances fitted with life support equipment as contained in the contracts was between 16 to 20 weeks upon receipt of the down payment which delivery period expired on 1st December, 2024. As of today, 11 Ambulances have since been delivered in the country, six from the Ace Pharmaceuticals Limited and five form Aqueous Investments,” Mr. Nkombo explained.
He revealed that another 18 Ambulances are under shipment and will be in the country soon, going by the documentation that has been availed to the Ministry by the two suppliers.
“The projection is that at least a minimum of 50 Ambulances will be in the country by 31st December, 2024 and the balance of 106 Ambulances will be in the country by end of May, 2025.”
“I wish to put on record that due diligence was conducted during the process leading to the award of the contracts to ensure compliance to the Government policy on procurement and citizen participation included. These included competitive pricing, adherence to quality standards, they also spoke to timeliness on delivery,” he added.
Mr. Nkombo further said the Ministry bought the Ambulances at a competitive price of about US$9, 500 per unit compared to the past where the same vehicles would cost twice this amount.
“The quality of the ambulances is also top-of-range, Landcruiser 2024 model, 1HZ engine, diesel propelled. While we do acknowledge that the delivery of the 156 ambulances will fall outside the agreed upon timeline, it should be noted that this was driven by factors beyond our control particularly the disruption in the supply chain of the types of chassis for vehicles being sought.”
“My Ministry has engaged with all the stakeholders including the suppliers and our foreign missions to ensure that we address some of the challenges outside our control,” he said.
He emphasized that the two suppliers that were awarded to procure and supply the 156 ambulances under CDF are citizens Companies as indicated on the PACRA Company documents.
Several stakeholders have been calling on investigative wings to take keen interest in the purchase of the 156 Ambulances, citing irregularities in the procurement process.
