The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture has given assurance that food supplies in state school hostels will last until next Tuesday, but uncertainty looms as the government currently has no dedicated supplier.

This follows legal challenges from bidders who disputed the awarding of an about N$300 million emergency food supply tender.

The Deputy Executive Director of Education, Knox Imbuwa, expressed concern over the situation, stating that some businesses feel entitled to government tenders and frequently use legal processes when they do not win bids.

This, according to Imbuwa, is to the disadvantage of learners in school hostels.

The ministry, knowing that the food suppliers tender will end on the 31st of last month, already commenced with the process of looking for alternative suppliers in the middle of last year.

Imbuwa explained that under the current Public Procurement Act, bidders can seek clarification on procurement decisions and appeal for reconsideration if unsatisfied.

This process has resulted in a prolonged legal battle affecting the ministry's efforts to secure a long-term food supply contract for hostels.

To address the interim needs of hostels, the ministry pursued emergency procurement, selecting nine suppliers from a pool of 43 bidders.

This decision, however, was met with fresh legal challenges, primarily from unsuccessful bidders who contested pricing decisions, despite selection criteria considering additional factors such as delivery capacity, experience, and proper storage facilities.

Imbuwa says as a contingency, the ministry has approached the treasury for approval of funds to purchase food on an emergency basis beyond Tuesday, while the ministry finds a permanent solution.