Six officials in the Metro’s Roads and Storm Water Department have been recommended for reinstatement after being suspended since August 2014.
The suspension was because of an investigation into irregular expenditure amounting to R819 million, according
to a National Treasury report. The officials were alleged to have certified invoices, co-signed documents, and authorised payments that they were not allowed to process.
A report by the Human Resources Management and Development Department found that the workers exposed the Metro to financial loss. Despite these findings, it was recommended that the disciplinary charges be withdrawn and the employees be reintegrated after being counselled and warned against such future behaviour.
The investigation pursued a case against officials, who awarded a tender to KYK Construction. The case was later withdrawn on the sole authorisation of the City Manager Kaya Ngema. An external enquiry into the case found the officials to be negligent.
The construction company won a court case against the City and was paid for costs incurred. The City applied for appeal, which was granted. Pending the outcome of the appeal, an interdict was placed on the department, preventing them from authorising new tenders in three service delivery areas of management and rehabilitation of roads. Notwithstanding, the Roads Department requested a number of quotes; some exceeding the authorised amounts mandated by departmental standards.
A new investigation report has been filed with the Internal Audit Department, following information from a whistle blower claiming that a R165 million tender had management irregularities. Of the six officials implicated in the first investigation; three are named in the new case. The three and four other officials will face the disciplinary charges of the second investigation by an Independent Chair and a prosecutor appointed by privately practising legal practitioners.
