The investigation team wanted to know why the Umsobomvu Municipality paid contractor, Faku Mphumzi Civils, R11,4 million for phase two of the project despite phase one not being completed.
WHILE over R21,2 million was spent on the upgrading of VIP toilets in Kuyasa, the project was apparently never completed.
The investigation team that probed alleged improper conduct and maladministration at the Umsobomvu Municipality had requested the municipality to provide information and evidence into why the contractor, Faku Mphumzi Civils, was paid R11,4 million for phase two of the project despite phase one not being completed.
Payment of R9,7 million was paid for the first phase.
The investigation report found that the municipality did not have a contract management policy, where the tender was not presented to the bid specification committee.
“Failure to establish the bid specification committee is adequate to render the appointment of Faku Mphumzi Civils as irregular.”
It was indicated that the scope of the project was reduced from R11,4 million to R9,7 million by the municipality due to an “insufficient budget”.
This resulted in the toilets not being upgraded in other areas.
The investigation team stated that the reduction in the scope of the work created the assumption that the project was never completed.
It was recommended that disciplinary action be taken against the municipal manager Mr AC Mpela, former CFO Mr D Visagie and the technical manager Mr S Nkcithiso.
It stated that the transaction should be recorded as irregular expenditure on the asset forfeiture register.
“The Speaker should institute an investigation into the conduct of the members of the municipal public accounts for possible breach of the code of conduct for councillors,” the report said.
