Three projects are in limbo in the Moffat View area after contractors did not fulfil their obligations.
These projects include a boundary wall at Moffat View Retirement Village, a block of flats opposite Moffat View SAPS and the upgrade of the swimming pool.
MMC for the Human Settlements Department, Anthea Leitch said it has come to her attention that an R1m boundary wall was paid for at Moffat View Retirement Village, in July 2022, but never built.
An official in the Human Settlements Department has admitted to signing a so-called ‘happy letter’ in 2022, confirming he was satisfied the contractor did the work to the correct standard and JOSHCO thereafter paid the contractor.
The contractor provided photographs of a completed face-brick wall, which led to the company being paid in full.
The wall was meant to replace a rusted palisade fence bordering a park. To date, the fence remains in place and no wall has been erected.
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She mentioned an official at the Human Settlements Department noticed they had never built the wall and referred the matter to the city’s Group Forensic and Investigation Services (GFIS).
Amid this, the contractor hurriedly repaid the money to JOSHCO, raising questions about the case and the various conflicting versions offered of what transpired.
The office of MMC Leitch has referred the case to the Special Investigating Unit. They have issued a case number.
She will also be writing to JOSHCO, requesting the city manager to set up an independent forensic audit to probe not only the Moffat View case but all transactions that have taken place between JOSHCO and Human Settlements.
“This happened under the former government and the previous MMC. I want to make it clear that I will not stand for any corruption of any type during my tenure. I will also make sure that any corruption that happened before I took office is uncovered and that there are consequences for anyone found to be involved,” said Leitch.
Other unfinished projects
On the other hand, Ward 57 Clr Faeeza Chame confirmed that in 2014, a project was supposed to have started behind the Moffat View SAPS where 328 upright flats were going to be built.
“A community liaison officer and contractors were appointed. The project started and after four months, it stopped. When I questioned it, I was told the contractor disappeared with the money.
“The project was on hold for a couple of years and two years ago, I was informed that the project would resume, but first, they would secure the area with palisade fencing. I was told there was R6m for the project at the start.
“The palisade fencing was erected halfway before the project stopped again. When I questioned it, they told me there was no money. My question again was why start a project knowing there is no money to complete the project?
“Right now, millions of palisade fencing are being stolen piece by piece. I brought it to the attention of the Human Settlements Department and still have not received any answers.
“Two years ago, I was informed by the Human Settlements Department again that they want to build a brick wall at the back of the Moffat View Retirement Village.
“They introduced the contractor to me and I had a public meeting with the Moffat View residents regarding job opportunities for them. Then everything was quiet again. When I questioned it, I could not get the correct answers. I only received a call from the Human Settlements Department one year later to ask me if the wall was up.
“They were not aware that the project never started. Yet, they paid the contractor R1m. They only realised after more than a year that a ‘happy letter’ had been signed and that the contractor disappeared with the money.
“On July 7 last year, they informed me that our swimming pool in Moffat View will get an upgrade. They introduced the contractor to me. We had public participation with the community and I was told the contractor must start as soon as possible. It is six months later and no upgrade of the pool and no contractor,” explained Chame.
• This is a developing story. We will share more as soon as we have more information and comments from relevant entities available.
