NN sewage saga: activist opens criminal case
A senior member of the Hawks said a decision is yet to be taken on who will investigate the case.
Community activist and member of the Newcastle Residents Forum (NRF), Neelchand Sooknanan opened a criminal case at the Newcastle Police Station on Saturday, after he became aware of allegations of corruption with regards to a multi-million Rand sewer refurbishment project.
A senior member of the Hawks has confirmed he is aware of the situation in Newcastle, but said a decision is yet to be taken on whether it will be investigated by the Hawks or local detectives. Spokesperson for the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Senzelwe Mzile said the department could not comment at this stage as it had only recently been alerted to the allegations.
According to reliable sources, Newcastle Municipality spent R1.6-million on sewer pumps more than two months ago, but these pumps were never delivered. It is alleged that a payment order for the pumps issued on June 27 was approved for payment by acting Municipal Manager, Zamani Mcineka on June 28.
Mcineka declined to comment on whether he had knowledge of the fact that the pumps had not been delivered or the allegation that his signature is on the payment authorisation.
Deputy Mayor and Chairman of the Technical Services Portfolio Committee, Musa Thwala said that as a councillor, he wouldn’t have any knowledge of what has been paid for and what hasn’t, as this is left entirely in the hands of the administration.
I am also interested to know what transpired, but it’s up to the office of the MM to deal with it.”
For the full report, see this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser.
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