The KZN Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) is already conducting a wide-ranging forensic investigation into the provision of water services in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality where the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has recently alluded to alleged tender irregularities.
“The IFP’s latest outburst has unfortunately been overtaken by events and has come too late as we are several months with our investigations into the allegations” said KZN COGTA MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
“I wish to assure the public that COGTA is already conducting an extensive forensic investigation into alleged irregularities in the provision of water supplies at uMkhanyakude. In fact, this investigation extends to alleged water losses, leakages, illegal connections and billing for water services in this municipality,” said KZN MEC for COGTA Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
KZN COGTA would like to take this opportunity to reiterate its position on taking all allegations of fraud and corruption in municipalities very seriously provided they are substantiated with evidence. Accordingly, the department will not hesitate to investigate any alleged wrongdoing without fear or favour regardless of the source of evidence.
“Anyone who approaches COGTA with proof of wrongdoing is our partner in the fight against fraud and corruption. The IFP is therefore welcome to provide whatever evidence of tender irregularities it has for us to determine whether the issues in question warrant further investigation in addition to the one that is already unfolding at uMkhanyakude,” said Dube-Ncube.
KZN COGTA also wishes to challenge the IFP’s claim that district municipalities do not have the authority to award tenders for the provision of water services. The provision of such services is in fact one of the core functions of district municipalities and the department is ensuring that all district municipalities execute their mandate in compliance with the applicable laws.
“I would also like to assure the public that standard procedures will follow this particular forensic investigation as they do every other investigation conducted by COGTA. The final report with recommendations will be submitted to the uMkhanyakude District Council for action and we will follow up on the implementation of all relevant recommendations,” said Dube-Ncube.
For more information contact:
KZN COGTA Spokesperson
Lennox Mabaso
Cell: 082 884 2403
