A number of public functionaries were involved in the rigging of bids for supplying food products to education institutions. These favored particular business entities. In many cases, those who were in charge at district divisions knew about the committed illegalities and even convinced the managers of kindergartens to accept spoiled products. These are the findings of the commission of inquiry set up by the municipality. The results were made public in the December 19 meeting of officials of Chisinau services and divisions, IPN reports.
Working group head Mihai Moldovanu said they ascertained a defective management in conducting biddings and a chaos in the process of ensuring the quality of food in kindergartens. The business entities tacitly divide the market, while the officials responsible for organizing the food supply process tolerate the irregularities. As a result, the same business entities have been chosen contest winners for many years.
The commission also identified differences in the prices of products supplied by the same business entity to different districts. The difference in the prices of butter, sour cream and chase could reach 38 lei per kilogram. In the case of fruit and vegetables, the price difference was of up to 10 lei/kg.
According to Mihai Moldovanu, in many cases when it was established that the business entity supplied products of a poor quality, the officials in charge at district divisions were informed about the irregularities, but these tolerated them. Moreover, in some of the cases they even convinced the managers to accept spoiled products. Decision makers of the General Division of Education, Youth and Sport showed no attitude and the same managers of district divisions were maintained in posts.
The commission recommended working out and approving regulations concerning the supply of education institutions with food products so as to clearly stipulate the responsibilities and tasks of each functionary. It also suggested considering alternatives in the food supply process such as food complexes or catering.
Mayor of Chisinau Dorin Chirtoaca said the commission’s report revealed once again an evident system problem and the inspections should continue not only in education institutions, but also in hospitals and other institutions. The mayor noted that penalties will be definitely imposed as a result of the inspections, including dismissals. The full list of penalized persons will be made public later.
