Erwat denies DA claims of wasteful expenditure
One of the DA’s claims was that R2 000 per person was spent for boardroom lunches for the management of Erwat
The East Rand Water Care Company (Erwat) has denied claims of “suspicious and wasteful expenditure” made by the DA.
“Erwat has noted the concerns by the DA in Parliament regarding Erwat’s alleged spending. Erwat is always very conscious about spending money wisely and efficiently to meet the needs of its clients,” said Wanda Annandale, spokesperson for the company.
She said each of the mentioned expenditure matters raised by DA MP Mike Waters, through a motion without notice in Parliament, was investigated and were false.
According to Waters, council reports, exposed by Clr Simon Lapping, showed the alleged irregular spending by Erwat from April to June.
The DA’s figures with Erwat’s replies were:
DA: Erwat spent R84 000 on twin-ply toilet paper, which means each employee, on average, visits the toilet a minimum of five times a day.
Erwat: This allegation is false. Erwat spent R31 286.53 in the fourth quarter of the 2017/18 financial year.
DA: Paid R1 040 per ream of A4 blue printing paper, which retails at R140 per ream – 740 per cent above retail price.
Erwat: This allegation is false. Erwat spent a total of R1 428.70 on blue printing paper for the financial year as opposed to the R1 040 per ream. The R1 428.70 was for two boxes and five reams. The figure for the fourth quarter was R44.67.
DA: Spent R165 000 on tea and coffee, equating to almost 600 000 cups of coffee or 12 cups of coffee per employee per day.
Erwat: This allegation is false. In the fourth quarter, Erwat spent R46 488 as opposed to the alleged amount of R165 000 for the quarter.
DA: An astonishing R165 000 on biscuits.
Erwat: This allegation is false. For the 12-month period ending June 30, Erwat spent R17 627.60 on biscuits as opposed to the alleged amount of R165 000 for the quarter. The figure for the fourth quarter was R10 229.71
DA: R2 000 per person for boardroom lunches for the management of Erwat.
Erwat: This allegation is false. No records were identified with a cost per person of anywhere close to R2 000 per person.
