Ekurhuleni mayor Mzwandile Masina has acknowledged receipt of communication from the Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements regarding the alleged mismanagement of a R1.9 billion toilet tender, adding the Metro is cooperating with the provincial government probe.
MEC Lebogang Maile is demanding a detailed response to these allegations within a week. “If indeed these allegations are true, there needs to be corresponding consequences,” Maile warned.
“Government funds cannot by any means be misappropriated nor used as ‘get-rich-quick schemes’ for cronies, and dubious business people,” the MEC said.
Masina said he welcomed the probe initiated by the provincial government, and that the city would be providing assistance. But, he pointed out, the tended was awarded in 2016, prior to him assuming office.
The Ekurhuleni mayor also took to Twitter to blast Amabhungane journalist Tabelo Timse who broke the story that the City of Ekurhuleni had spent a staggering R1.9-billion on chemical toilets over three financial years from 2017 to 2019.
The Amabhungane report further claimed that toilets were sourced from 16 small suppliers, and it was an apparent get-rich-quick scheme for some underperforming contractors that left many beneficiaries with dirty and broken toilets.
“Yes, he (Maile) has contacted me regarding the formal letter. We are giving him a report on the toilet tender What we are doing to subsequently improve the conditions of service,” Masina said.
In a statement, the City of Ekurhuleni said: “In line with previous statements to this effect, the executive mayor has once again reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption and maladministration in the city.”
“Reports regarding poor workmanship in the delivery of chemical toilets throughout the city will be further investigated through the relevant oversight committees, and random visits will be made to communities through the Siyaqhuba Accelerated Service Delivery Programme.”
