The City of Johannesburg’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS) team is investigating Pikitup’s acquisition of six unused waste crushers which were bought in 2014 for R36 million.
Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said these crushers also do not meet exact specifications set out in the original tender.
One of the bidders that participated in the tender process, was apparently able to supply the specified crushers for around R10 million less than the ultimate award of around R36 million.
Mashaba said the City now spends R9 000 a day to hire crushers from the bidder who lost the tender. “The lower specification crushers were unable to effectively crush waste and therefore Pikitup is now required to hire additional equipment to crush waste.”
The mayor said this matter was brought to his attention by a whistleblower.
The investigative team will now also look into other tenders awarded by the waste management entity. One of which is a tender for the R23-million construction and operation of weighbridges at the four Pikitup landfill sites. Mashaba said the tender was for the construction of the weighbridges and for the implementation of software to operate the weighbridges.
“It is alleged that the weighbridges were constructed, but the implementation of the software to operate the weighbridges has not yet been supplied. Despite this, the service provider received advance payment for the software component but it hasn’t been supplied.”
The mayor said corruption doesn’t just steal from the City but also robs residents of much-needed services and resources.
“This is why corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly to eradicate it.”
Details: Report any fraud and corruption activities through the 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit the GFIS office at 48 Ameshoff Street in Braamfontein.
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