Public Works respond to ward 118’s concerns about R38-m project at military base

The Department of Public Works announced it found no wrongdoing in the Military Base 46 Brigade project in Kensington after accusations of corruption by community members.

Also read: Community questions R38-m project at Military Base 46 Brigade in Kensington

The EXPRESS reported in July that Ward 118 residents had questioned the R38-million project and marched to the military base to hand over a memorandum of demands to the department.

Also read: 46 Brigade birthday celebrations

Residents from Denver, Jumpas informal settlement and Malvern took part in the march.

Also read: Residents march leaves one injured

The work at the military base included repairs and renovations to existing offices and the sports ground.

Community members questioned how Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) and labourers were appointed. They demanded the following from the department:

• That 30 per cent of the total R38-m project be ploughed back into the community of Ward 118.

• That the contract of the community liaison officer (CLO) be terminated and the process be restarted.

• To view the qualifications of the current community liaison officer, the interview scores and minutes of the panel that had appointed the officer.

• The advertising of all sub-contractor posts and job opportunities to allow all community members a chance to apply.

• Provision of equal opportunities to all sub-contractors so the department does not appoint only certain contractors.

• A restart of the recruitment process.

Community members also opened a case of fraud. Cleveland SAPS spokesperson, Captain Johan Jordan, confirmed this.

According to Thami Mchunu, director of media and stakeholder relations at the Department of Public Works, the department was aware of the concerns.

In response to the demand that money be ploughed back into the community, Mchunu said the department has done so.

“The department has followed all legislation in this regard. It is important to note that the 30 per cent sub-contracting dispensation the community is referring to, came into effect on April 1 this year.

“This was long after this project went on tender which was subsequently awarded on February 24 this year. The project employs local labours and sub-contractors and is about 90 per cent compliant,” said Mchunu.

In response to questions about the CLO, Mchune said the liaison officer met the requirements and that the correct process was followed when employing the CLO.

“The requirements for the CLO position stipulated successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent and the person had to be a resident of Ward 118,” he said.

“Contractually there must be reasons forwarded and procedures must be followed to cancel a bona fide contract and in this case, there were none.”

On the issue of restarting the recruitment process, Mchunu said, “Consultation with all stakeholders was undertaken and due processes of employment were followed.”

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