El Despertador joins the list of investigative journalism programs that have gotten the government to cancel contracting that violates the laws. This time it is Edesur and violation of procurement law and emergency law in the purchase of facial masks.
The management at the government-owned power utility EdeSur announced on Wednesday, 27 May 2020 it has canceled a tender that was being carried out under the special state of emergency conditions for the purchase of 958,000 disposable face masks. El Despertador news program on Noticias SIN on Channel 9 had reported the total of masks to be purchased is more than what the Ministry of Public Health has bought for seven public hospitals in May.
The purchase was being made to prepare for the return to work of the 3,316 work force of the entity. As reported in March only 3% were working at EdeSur offices, 10% in April and an estimated 12% in May. By June 39% of the employees are expected to be back at work, 60% by July and 80% by August. The utility had budgeted two masks per day per employee. The masks are being sought at RD$59 each. El Despertador reported this is way above market price.
El Despertador reported that the purchase price is overpriced and the tender is in violation of the law.
Public Health Minister Rafael Sanchez Cárdenas said recently on a TV press briefing that each employee outside of health centers is responsible to purchase the mandatory face mask.
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Noticias SIN
El Despertador
28 May 2020