The investigation into the multi-billion rand contract allegedly unlawfully awarded to an engineering consultancy firm by the Tshwane city manager is to go ahead, Tshwane mayor Solly Msimanga has said.
Moeketsi Mosola has been accused by the Tshwane ANC of flouting regulations when awarding a multi-billion rand contract to Ariya Project Managers (Glad Africa).
He has denied any laws were disregarded and said everything was done according to the legal advice received.
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Mosola addressed the media on Tuesday saying he was innocent of any wrongdoing,
“The legal comments dated 1 November 2017 from acting group legal counsel confirm my assertion,” Mosola said.
“It is, therefore, my conclusion that the process that was followed in appointing Ariya Project Managers (Glad Africa) was in compliance with the legislative prescripts governing the city of Tshwane’s supply chain management as well as the municipal finance management act.”
Msimanga said although he had noted Mosola’s statement and would include it in his “contemplation”, it did not change the process which had to unfold.
“I have a duty as head of the executive to satisfy myself that all due processes have been followed and to decisively address any wrongdoing that may have occurred.”
Msimanga said he would study all the evidence presented to him and determine a way forward.
“If there is any merit to the allegations about the irregular appointment of the project management service provider, I will not hesitate to refer this matter to the municipal council for further investigation and action,” he said.
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Earlier in the week, Msimanga said he had written questions to Mosola related to how the contract was procured, its specifications and the management of financial and operational risks to the metro.
“I have since received these responses from the city manager and I, in consultation with the relevant officials, am currently studying the explanations given…,” Msimanga said at the time.
He said the matter was “extremely” serious and no short-cuts would be taken.
“If a case is to be made against anyone, it must be rock solid,” Msimanga said.
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