Question NW988 to the Minister of Employment and Labour
19 June 2020 - NW988
Denner, Ms H to ask the Minister of Employment and Labour
(1) Whether his department awarded any tenders connected to the Covid-19 pandemic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what (a) are the names each tender awarded, (b) are the amounts of each tender awarded and (c) was the service and/or product to be supplied by each business; (2) whether there was any deviation from the standard supply chain management procedures in the awarding of the tenders; if so, (a) why and (b) what are the relevant details in each case; (3) what was the reason for which each specified business was awarded the specified tender; (4) whether he will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
1. The Department of Employment and Labour did not award any tenders connected to Covid-19 pandemic. Only Personal Protective Equipment was procured during this period and that was done through the prescribed emergency procedures.
(a) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.
(b) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.
(c) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.
(2). (a) and (b) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during this period
(3) Not applicable; because there were no tenders awarded during the period in question.
(4) Emergency procurement procedure had to be applied to procure Personal Protective Equipment for all the Department of Employment and Labour officials declared as essential services, especially the Labour Inspector who had to ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations during all levels of the lockdown.