SIU authorised to investigate reservoir construction contract in Amajuba district
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed Proclamation R 137 of 2023 authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration and corruption in the affairs of Amajuba District Municipality, KwaZulu Natal, and to recover any financial losses suffered by the State.
Proclamation R 137 of 2023 authorises the SIU to probe the procurement of/or contracting to construct reinforced concrete for Braakfontein Reservoirs in Amajuba District Municipality. The contract under investigation included work like earthworks, fixing of reinforcement steel, concrete and forming of construction joints for the new water-tight reservoir and associated valve and flow meter chambers.
Furthermore, the municipality sought a service provider to supply and install steel interlinking pipelines and refurbish existing pipe manifolds and valve chambers to connect the new reservoir to the existing reservoirs.
The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by Amajuba District Municipality or the State. The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the Amajuba District Municipality, the applicable suppliers or service providers or any other person or entity.
The Proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that took place between 1 August 2019 and 11 September 2023, the date of the publication of the Proclamation or before 1 August 2019 and after the date of the Proclamation that are relevant to, connected with, incidental to the matters or involves the same persons, entities or contracts investigated. In addition to investigating maladministration, malpractice, corruption and fraud, the SIU will identify system failures and make systematic recommendations to improve measures to prevent future losses.
In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action.
The SIU is empowered by the SIU Act to institute civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during its investigation caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
Enquiries:
Kaizer Kganyago
Spokesperson: Special Investigating Unit
Cell: 082 306 8888
Email: KKganyago@siu.org.za
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