Special investigations unit to investigate Ekurhuleni metro
The City of Ekurhuleni welcomes this intervention and commits to fully co-operate with the SIU in this regard.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate suspected wrongdoing by public servants, persons or entities in the private sector in the awarding of tenders or contracts.
Mayor of Ekurhuleni Clr Mzwandile Masina has come out in full support of the investigation.
These investigations will be carried out in the national Department of Water and Sanitation and Ekurhuleni and eThekhwini metropolitan municipalities.
“The Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICT SETA) will also be investigated for alleged maladministration in relation to the allocation of discretionary grant funding to a number of companies, which will themselves also be probed,” the Presidency said last week.
The latest proclamations signed by president Ramaphosa complement a number of investigations called for by the president since his undertaking in the February 2018 State of the Nation Address that “this is the year in which we will turn the tide of corruption in our public institutions”.
In the case of Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, the SIU investigation relates to alleged serious maladministration and improper or unlawful conduct by employees, officials, agents or contractors of the municipality, arising from the procurement of goods and services for the construction of the Vosloorus Hospital Public Transport Facility and the Bluegum View Public Transport Facility.
Also read: City of Ekurhuleni finetuning call centre operations
The Presidency said the SIU will investigate claims that procurement for these projects during a period around February 2014 had been unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful and that procurement had not been fair, competitive, equitable or cost-effective.
“Such interventions are necessary if there are any suspicions of wrongdoing and maladministration in any project,” said Masina.
“The City of Ekurhuleni welcomes this intervention and commits 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 emphasised that the City of Ekurhuleni remains rooted to clean governance and determined to win the battle against fraud and corruption.
Follow us:
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Springs Advertiser, Boksburg Advertiser, Benoni City Times, African Reporter
