ActionSA celebrates probe into Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Tender

ActionSA has seen the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) probe into the R295 million Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Tender as a victory to the party’s fight against corruption.

ACTIONSA FINDINGS ABOUT THE ROOIWAL WASTEWATER TENDER

The party believes the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Tender was corruptly awarded to ANC-connected businessman Edwin Sodi.

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“This comes more than a year after we submitted to the SIU our findings from the Commission of Inquiry into the Hammanskraal water crisis, which affected many,” said Funzi Ngobeni, ActionSA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson.

“The report exposed that the City of Tshwane violated the Municipal Systems Act by failing to provide residents with safe drinking water and other services.”Ngobeni

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CITY OF TSHWANE STANCE ON THE QUESTIONABLE TENDER

He said the Tshwane Municipality has turned a blind eye for nearly two decades as citizens struggled to access clean and consumable water, subjecting them to hardship and horrible living conditions.

“Based on the evidence gathered in the inquiry commissioned in 2021, it was suggested that the tender was corruptly awarded to two companies owned by Sodi, who was inexperienced and unqualified to lead the refurbishment of Phase 1 of the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works. This proclamation brings hope that justice will be served, and that change will be achieved as we, continue to fight for the residents of Tshwane,” Ngobeni explained.

Section 2(2) of the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act requires that “the said allegations should be investigated and civil proceedings emanating from such investigation should be adjudicated upon.”

The SIU is now obligated to investigate all allegations of irregular conduct by Tshwane Municipality employees or any person who has been awarded a tender that was unfairly, uncompetitively, and unlawfully utilised.

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ACTIONSA WELCOMES THE PROBE

“We welcome this proclamation, as it will hold all those linked to corruption cases in Tshwane and guilty of offences such as maladministration, the intentional loss of public money, and improper conduct that have caused harm to the public’s interests accountable.

“ActionSA has long championed this fight, having lodged complaints to the Public Protector and the South African Human Rights Commission against the city and former mayor Randall Williams for their failure to act responsibly,” Ngobeni further explained.

“We look forward to what this proclamation has to offer as we remain committed to restoring the rights of residents affected by the debacle and re-establishing good governance along with financial stability,” he concluded.

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