Municipality questioned over R38 Million ‘Shack Call Centre’ deal
Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality faced tough questions regarding its R38 million ‘shack call centre’ contract.
Appearing before the North West Legislature’s Public Accounts Committee, Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality faced tough questions regarding its R38 million ‘shack call centre’ contract.
Regrettably, the municipality provided an incomplete report, according to the Democratic Alliance(DA).
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The municipality was allegedly selective in responding to questions and withholding crucial information under the guise of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
MUNICIPALITY QUESTIONED OVER R38 MILLION ‘SHACK CALL CENTRE’ DEAL
“Despite blaming the Auditor-General and citing the 2022–23 audit, the municipality failed to produce bid documents.
This raises concerns about its record-keeping capabilities or possible attempts to conceal corruption.”
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According to the DA, the call center lacked budget approval, and a previous council’s 2016/17 resolution to build it was implemented without the current council’s consideration.
Furthermore, a potential conflict of interest within the Bid Committee adds to the growing list of concerns.
The DA, urged the Public Accounts Committee to subpoena all related documents under the Powers, Privileges, and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act.
Mayor Sense Maje committed to submitting documents within seven days and initiating an internal investigation.
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“Despite promises, the municipality’s questionable spending on the call center persists, aggravating chronic water shortages and sanitation issues in Christiana, Schweizer-Reneke, Bloemhof, Taung, and Vryburg.”
PROBE INTO CONTRACT TAKEN
The DA has called on the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to probe the contract.
Once documents are obtained through the Public Accounts Committee, they’ll be submitted to support the investigation.
It is being reported that the centre is at risk of demolition.