Gauteng Health wastes R16m on security contracts – DA
ROSSMORE – DA says Gauteng Health Department has poor practice that contravenes Treasury Regulations concerning value for money when awarding security contracts is concerned.
Helen Joseph Hospital and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital are part of the six hospitals that have expensive security.
According to the DA, the Gauteng Health Department has wasted R16.2 million by choosing the most expensive security contract for these hospitals.
“The shocking thing is that the most expensive security company was chosen for each of these hospitals,” said DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC Jack Bloom.
According to Bloom, the worst case is that of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, where Mabotwane Security Services was chosen over Guard 4 Sure Security Services despite being R6.2 million more expensive for a two-year contract.
The department now pays R25.6 million each year to guard this hospital instead of paying R22.5 million for the cheapest quote.
At Helen Joseph Hospital, Potlako Security company got the contract for R13.3 million a year, although it is R1.6 million more than Tshireletso’s security company which charged R11.7 million.
“I am puzzled that Guard 4 Sure was the cheapest quote for five out of the six hospitals, but was only awarded one contract,” he said.
Bloom suspects corruption in awarding the contracts.
“I estimate that more than R50 million has probably been overspent on the two-year contracts for all 37 hospitals in Gauteng by not choosing the cheapest contract.”
Gauteng Health spokesperson Prince Hamnca, however,said price is not the only determining factor.
“We look at the strengths; track record, financial standing, experience in the industry and many other aspects before we award a contract. Companies had to present security plans, and contingency plans as well,” he said.
Other hospitals listed are:
- Chris Hani Baragwanath – Mafoko Security got the contract for R22 million a year, R1 million more than Guard 4 Sure at R21 million.
- Tembisa Hospital – Tshireletso Security won for R6.1 million a year, R900 000 more than Guard 4 Sure’s R5.2 million bid.
- Steve Biko Academic – Born to Protect won for R15.5 million per year, R800 000 more than R14.7 million by Guard 4 Sure.
- George Mukhari Hospital – Vimba won for R12.5 million per year, which is R700 000 more than R11.8 million by Guard 4 Sure.
