According to Oupa Segalwe, spokesperson of the Public Protector, allegations of maladministration and corruption at the Ekurhuleni metro in relation to a R109-million tender for the supply of “intelligent water meters” is being investigated.
“The tender was allegedly awarded to a certain company despite the company in question not complying with tender requirements,” says Segalwe.
“It is also alleged that the value of the tender was inflated. It is further alleged that a payment of nearly R40-m was made to the company in question before the company delivered the services procured.”
According to another media report, the matter was brought to the Public Protector’s attention by a whistle-blower.
“The Public Protector is also investigating allegations that the complainant in this matter was intimidated and victimised after blowing the whistle about the suspected irregularities to the leadership of the metro.
“The complainant was allegedly suspended after blowing the whistle.
“The Public Protector wrote to the metro and the receipt of the letter was acknowledged on April 10. In the letter, she brought the allegations to the attention of Ngema, requesting a response with supporting documents. The return date is May 9,” he adds.
Recently, the Advertiser also published comments by Clr Izak Berg from the Independent Ratepayers Association of South Africa (Irasa), who also bemoaned the actions of the Ekurhuleni city manager, who he believes has cost the metro millions of rands in legal fees.
This follows according to him a R100-m unauthorised expenditure when it comes to a tender for the provision of roads maintenance and rehabilitation services in September 2012.
According to Berg, the project was halted after the Supply Chain Management Policy was interfered with with a huge cost tag.
He says the city manager also did not follow the rules and regulations of the policy.
The Ekurhuleni metro has welcomed the investigation.
“As a metro, we take these matters serious and will fully cooperate with the Public Protector’s office. Furthermore, we will accept the findings of this investigation,” says metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.
Dlamini points out that one of the municipality’s key strategic priorities is good governance, which clearly shows their intention to get rid of any sort of corruption in the metro.
“We already have a good working relationship with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), because we are committed to fighting the scourge of fraud and corruption in our city.”
According to Dlamini, the metro has a certain Supply Chain Management policy, which are guided by National Treasury. It goes as follows:
* Firstly, all tenders above R200 000 are advertised and subjected to a competitive bid process
* Secondly, the Bid Evaluation Committee evaluates the bid and makes its recommendations to the Bid Adjudication Committee (BAC).
* Thirdly, the Bid Adjudication Committee then adjudicates the bid, and if it’s less than R10-m they make a final award. If it’s over R10-m, they make a recommendation to the city manager who then applies himself and makes a decision based on the BAC’s recommendation.
