POLITICAL parties have lauded the investigation into the R300 million Rooiwal treatment plant tender.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) announced on Monday, 25 September, that President Cyril Ramaphosa had signed the proclamation giving the go-ahead for the probe into the tender awarded to two companies owned by ANC-connected businessman, Edwin Sodi.
ActionSA and the DA said the proclamation brings hope that justice will be served for the residents of Tshwane.
ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba said this happened more than a year after his party submitted to the SIU its findings from the commission of inquiry into the Hammanskraal water crisis after the outbreak of cholera that left more than 30 people dead.
“The Tshwane Municipality has turned a blind eye for nearly two decades as citizens struggled to access clean and consumable water, subjecting them to hardship and horrible living conditions,” said Mashaba.
He said based on the evidence gathered in the inquiry commissioned in 2021, it was suggested that the tender was “corruptly” awarded to Sodi.
Mashaba said the report showed that the City of Tshwane violated the Municipal Systems Act by failing to provide residents with safe drinking water and other services.
"The SIU is now obligated to investigate all allegations of irregular conduct by Tshwane Municipality employees, or any person who has been awarded a tender that was unfairly, uncompetitively, and unlawfully utilised,” said Mashaba.
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He said they welcome this proclamation, as it will hold all those linked to corruption cases in Tshwane to account.
DA Tshwane caucus spokesman Kwena Moloto said in October 2022, the DA councillors, along with councillors of the Multi-Party Coalition, cast their votes in favour of a report advocating for a thorough investigation.
“This investigation represents a significant milestone in our commitment to eradicating corruption within the City of Tshwane.
"The DA has been resolute in dismantling the intricate web of corruption and political favouritism that was inherited from the previous administration. This mission remains ongoing, and the current investigation stands as a pivotal moment in our continuous efforts to rid the administration of corrupt officials,” said Moloto.
He said he believed the probe would not only unveil the depths of corruption and political power networks that persist in Tshwane, but contribute to the critical task of recovering funds that the metro needs.
The SIU said Proclamation R138 of 2023 authorises the crime-busting unit to probe the procurement and/or contracting for construction of Phase 1 upgrades and urgent refurbishment at the wastewater plant.
“The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality or the State. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity,” the unit said in a statement.
