Tshwane welcomes investigation into failed Rooiwal tender

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The City of Tshwane has welcomed the investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the failed tender to upgrade Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant (RWTP).

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed proclamation authorising the investigate into allegations of maladministration and corruption.

Tshwane mayor Cilliers Brink said the investigation will help in their efforts to clean up the city’s supply chain management division.

“It will also assist in recovering the stolen funds which the city needs to drive service delivery to our residents.

“This is exactly what the multiparty coalition government has been calling for; a high-level investigation into the matter with possible criminal charges for all tenderpreneurs who are found to have benefitted unlawfully.

According to Brink, the joint venture CMS, NJR & Blackhead was appointed in October 2019 in respect of tender USD WS 30-2017/18 for the construction of Phase 1 of the upgrade and refurbishment of RWT Works at a cost of R291 996 799,07.

“However, the joint venture failed to honour the contract and subjected the Rooiwal Phase 1 upgrades to long delays and continued non-performance, which resulted in the city terminating the contract in August 2022.

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“The group only completed sixty percent of the upgrades, despite all the money spent by the city for Phase 1.

“Furthermore, a forensic investigation has found that the tender had been awarded irregularly.

“In this regard, disciplinary processes are underway against several City officials who are implicated,” he revealed.

Brink stated that the city is now in the process of blacklisting the joint venture, together with its shareholders and directors, including the state capture accused, Edwin Sodi.

He added; “Effectively, this means that the joint venture, as well as its shareholders and directors, will be listed by the National Treasury as restricted suppliers.

“This will result in these individuals being restricted from doing or obtaining any business with the state for a period of five years.”

Tshwane mayor said he is determined to fight corruption and to keep his original promise to run a clean, effective, and corruption-free administration.