Note to Editors: Please find an English soundbite by Cllr Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku here
Please find supporting documents here, and here
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has formally submitted a request to National Treasury to investigate the R236 million water tanker tender that was awarded to Nutinox and Builtpro Construction.
This call for investigation follows damning allegations of irregularities in the tender process, as recently exposed by Daily Maverick and Amabungane. Despite raising serious concerns with the relevant MMCs, Cllr Jack Sekwaila and Cllr Loyiso Masuku, the DA’s requests for clarity have been met with silence.
We have also submitted a comprehensive Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) request, to ensure that all information relating to the awarding of this tender is made public.
The DA had seen like all residents the major challenge experienced with the current water tanker service providers.
During the recent water crisis and planned maintenance shutdowns, tankers could not provide water to those who needed it. We will do all we can, especially with these new dodgy tenders, to avoid continued failures.
We have been made aware that a competing bidder in the tender process, like us, believes that the awarding was dodgy. They are hauling the City in front of the courts, yet another expensive thrashing awaits the City of Johannesburg, all because they are incapable of following the law.
We believe that there has been a violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act 2003, specifically Section 112(1). We are concerned that there could have been a lapse in due diligence, transparency, and accountability throughout this tender process.
It further illustrates the pattern of corruption and mismanagement within Joburg Water – something orchestrated by an ANC-appointed board of cadres. We will fight to ensure that public money is protected and that residents of Johannesburg receive the services they deserve.