Ekurhuleni mayor welcomes SIU investigation

The investigation will focus on two projects, the Vosloorus Hospital Transport and Bluegum View Public Transport facilities.

The mayor of Ekurhuleni Mzwandile Masina has come out in full support of the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit into the affairs of the City’s Transport Department which has been authorized by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The Presidency issued a statement recently announcing that the President has authorized the investigation of suspected wrongdoing by public servants and persons or entities in the private sector in the awarding of tenders or contracts by the National Department of Water and Sanitation.

This includes the Ekurhuleni and eThekwini metros among others.

According to Phakamile Mbengashe, media liaison officer in the Executive Mayor’s Office, in Ekurhuleni the investigation will focus on two projects, the Vosloorus Hospital Transport and Bluegum View Public Transport facilities.

“The SIU will investigate claims that the procurement of these projects during a period around February 2014 had been unauthorized, irregular or fruitless, and wasteful,” said Mbengashe.

“Such interventions are necessary if there are any suspicions of wrong doing and maladministration in any project.

Mayor Masina said: “The City of Ekurhuleni welcomes this intervention and commit to fully co-operate with the SIU in this regard.

“We are dealing with public funds here and the issue of accountability is not negotiable. We do hope that those with information regarding the two projects under scrutiny, come forward with such information so that they can assist the investigation”

“On our part as a City, we look forward to working with the SIU on this matter,” he said.

He emphasized that the City of Ekurhuleni remains rooted to clean governance and determined to win the battle against fraud and corruption.