$1.6m saved in Hajj-related contracts, claims NPC

KABUL (Pajhwok): As a result of strict monitoring of contracts for transporting pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, $1.6 million has been saved, the National Procurement Commission (NPC) said on Tuesday.

President Ashraf Ghani has tasked a committee, headed by NPC Secretary Ahmad Bilal Qarizada, to ensure quality food, health services, transportation and residential facilities for the pilgrims.

In a statement, the commission said the delegation had already flown to Saudi Arabia to monitor services for the Afghan pilgrims.

The delegation visited residences, kitchens, healthcare centres and transportation facilities and held discussion with contractors on the issues being faced by Afghan pilgrims in Makkah and Madina.

The NPC team also met the delegation of Hajj and Religious Affairs Ministry in Saudi Arabia and discussed the pilgrims’ problems.

The NPC delegation has helped save $1.6 million as a result of strict scrutiny of Hajj-related contracts.

nh/mud