The North West Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) has resolved to establish a sub committee to investigate procurement processes followed when the Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport purchased a R1.3 million 750i BMW for the North West Premier.
The sub-committee’s investigation will focus on the following issues; the date the order for purchasing the vehicle was issued and when the vehicle was delivered; Call the MEC and all staff members involved in the procurement process to present further information required individually to the Committee; how many vehicles have been allocated to the Office of the Premier since 2009 and what is their status currently.
The sub-committee has also been granted powers to further add to the terms of reference in line with the mandate given by the committee and its recommendations. The Sub-committee will report back their findings to SCOPA within 2 weeks.
The committee condemned the expenditure stating that even if the purchase is covered by the Ministerial Handbook, there is a pronouncement made by the Finance Minister to curb spending during the difficult times in our economy.
“We fully condemn the amount spent on purchasing this vehicle, as currently the economy is under pressure, we are aware that there is still a need to standardise the cost containment prescribed in the Ministerial Handbook, but that should not constitute for the reckless spending used by the Executive,” said Hon. Chauke, Chairperson of committee.
The committee appreciated the information provided by the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, MEC Raymond Elisha, but further requested a formal written document in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability on the work of the Executive but also took a resolution to further investigate the matter to ensure that the committee plays its oversight role effectively.
Members of the media are invited to attend the public hearing and they can contact Namhla on 079 527 0628 for further information.
