Upazila executive officers can buy corrugated iron sheets, blankets for relief efforts

"Previously, blankets and corrugated iron sheets were distributed centrally, which often resulted in delays. Now, they will be collected and distributed at the field level"

Upazila executive officers, also known as Upazila nirbahi officers or UNOs, will be given the necessary ability to purchase materials to carry out rapid relief activities in case of any disaster, according to Faruk E Azam, advisor to the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief.

He made the remarks to the media after attending a session with field-level administrative officials on Monday, the second day of the Deputy Commissioners Conference, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

The advisor said that the ministry has asked for close monitoring of rehabilitation, test relief, food for work, and vulnerable group feeding programmes at the local level. It has also instructed that the allocations for rural infrastructure construction initiatives be closely followed.

Faruk said, “Previously, blankets and corrugated iron sheets were distributed centrally, which caused a lot of waste. Now they will be collected and distributed at the field level. We informed the DCs [deputy commissioners] that UNOs will be able to make these purchases, as they have other purchases.”

He said, “These materials will be collected and distributed based on local needs. They have been given a sense of the circumstances so that they collect and distribute corrugated iron sheets in light of proper specifications. There should be no discrimination in the construction of houses for the homeless.”

When asked why the responsibility for procurement is being given to the field administration and whether the purchases will be competitive, the advisor said that UNOs will make purchases instead of the district administrator.

“Previously, when it came to collecting centrally, a constant issue was created. For the past three years, all the products have been coming from the same place. Those who produce corrugated iron sheets are also not participating in the tender. If UNOs can buy based on their needs, it can be distributed quickly. Therefore, there will be no tender, they will buy following the PPR [Public Procurement Rules 2008].”

Disaster Secretary Md Kamrul Hasan said at the time, “If we buy it centrally, it will take a long time to distribute at the district and Upazila levels. The allocation will remain at Tk 300,000 per Upazila, as before.”