By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) expanded its scope to investigate corruption, maladministration, and unlawful procurement practices related to sanitation contracts in Bekkersdal, a township under the Rand West City Local Municipality in Gauteng.
The existing investigation covers procurement relating to 150 ablution and sanitation facilities at the Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement, Phase 1 and Evaton, as well as 180 walk-up units at Sicelo Shiceka Extension 5.
The amendment now expands the investigation to include 100 ablution and sanitation facilities at Bekkersdal.
President Cyril Ramaphosa amended Proclamation 181 of 2024, expanding an existing SIU investigation into tenders awarded by the Gauteng Provincial Department of Human Settlements.
The tar roads in Bekkersdal have deteriorated due to a lack of proper and regular maintenance, and raw sewer is also flowing from people’s yards and all over the streets.
The poor sewer infrastructure causes sewer swamps during the rainy season as the drain systems are blocked and not functioning properly. This poses a health and safety risk for the residents.
SIU spokesperson Selby Makgatho said that the amendment will now allow the SIU to probe two tenders meant to provide sanitation facilities at the Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement.
“The investigation relates to the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services for: 150 ablution and sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Sicelo Shiceka informal settlement: phase 1 and Evaton; and 180 walk-up units at Sicelo Shiceka Extension 5. The amendment expands the scope of the investigation to include 100 ablution and sanitation infrastructure and facilities at Bekkersdal.”
The corruption-busting unit has also been given the green light to investigate serious allegations of maladministration, unlawful expenditure, and improper conduct within the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and its development agency.
The Buffalo City investigation will probe six contracts focusing on the procurement of, or contracting for, goods, works or services relating to:
- Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool Project;
- Mdantsane NU2 Swimming Pool Project;
- Appointment of First New Generation Trading (Pty) Ltd for the demolition of existing walls;
- Appointment of Lefito Trading, trading as Kuyasa Electrical Contractors, for the removal of the Donkin wall and palisade installation;
- Consulting engineer services for the Water World Project; and
- Main contractor for the Water World Project.
“The SIU will investigate allegations of serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by employees of the municipality and Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency, and the unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money or property.”
“The investigation will also examine any unlawful, irregular or unapproved acquisitive act, transaction, measure or practice involving State property, as well as any intentional or negligent loss of public money or damage to public property.
“The SIU will further investigate payments made in connection with the above matters where such payments were not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable or cost-effective, or were contrary to applicable legislation,” Makgatho stated.