MASERU – Local meat suppliers have raised concern over a beef supply tender offered to a foreign enterprise named El Torro Meat Company to supply the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF). Basotho Meat Association (BMA) claim proper procedures were not followed in the selection of the company in question, citing the tender was not publicly advertised and that the Basotho owned butcheries were not given first priority.
business
May 11, 2020
STAFF REPORTER
2 min read
Local meat traders cry foul
“We smell a rat here, we seek clarification,” expressed BMA member Teboho Mots’epe.
On the Memorandum dated April 23, 2020 the Ministry of Defence Procurement Unit sought authority to engage the above mentioned company from South Africa, for supply of beef (Grade A), beef sausage and mincemeat through single sourcing at the amount of M72,62, M79,75 and M79,74 respectively, for this financial year.
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The Document further indicated that the company was contracted to supply live cattle to LDF but the current Coronavirus pandemic dictates that the purchase of live cattle should be replaced with processed meat so as to align the ministry with the travel restrictions which are meant to curb the pandemic.
Again, “pursuant to the efforts to reduce the feeding costs the company has been identified to replace Progeny Feeding which failed to honor the terms of contract. El Torro Meat Company is willing to supply LDF,” read the Memo.
The procurement officer could not be drawn to comment saying in regarding to the matter; he can only address business people and not the media.
Metronews/KB
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