The Democratic Alliance (DA) is calling on the Gauteng MEC for Finance and E-Government, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, to investigate the allegations of corruption and non-compliance at the Gauteng Broadband Network project.
According to IT Web, it is alleged that the employees of the Gauteng Department of Finance and E-Government are flouting all supply chain management procedures, particularly tender processes.
The employees are accused of corruption, maladministration and nepotism.
47 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) were allegedly presented in the Gauteng Broadband Network project phase two report as the service providers, while only 7 SMMEs have actually been working on the project.
While, out of seven SMMEs, only four have been paid for their services rendered to the project.
It is completely unacceptable that companies, particularly small businesses that are battling to survive, are still not being paid within the 30 day period.
This is hindering the growth and sustainability of SMMEs in Gauteng.
It also has a negative impact on the province’s economic growth which is suffering as a result of high levels of unemployment.
We will write a letter to the MEC requesting her to institute an investigation into this project and the employees working on this project as a matter of urgency.
The DA will also table questions in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature to ascertain the following: whether there is corruption in the project; if the proper tender processes are being followed; the exact number of SMMEs working on the project, whether they have been paid and the reasons behind the delays in processing their payments.
Should it be found that there is corruption in this project, then those implicated and who benefitted illegally must face the full might of the law.