Metro failed to take action on fuel payment ‘irregularities’, says Auditor-General report
Usual bus services were temporarily interrupted by fuel scarcity at depots this week. However, services were resumed on Wednesday morning.
The Tshwane metro’s accounting officer failed to take action when the Auditor-General (AG) of South Africa pointed out fuel payment irregularities in 2021, it was revealed this week.
The irregularities involved cases of overpayments to fuel suppliers, according to a report tabled by Xolani Zwakela from the AG’s office.
The report was tabled in council.
The Tshwane metro was found to have overpaid three suppliers for the supply and delivery of fuel between February 2019 and June 2020.
At the time, the AG recommended that the accounting officer take action to address the material irregularity by August 8, 2022.
The accounting officer, however, failed to implement its recommendations.
Now, the AG said the metro must address the material irregularities by March 14, 2023.
It must investigate whether any officials might have committed any financial misconduct or offence.
Disciplinary steps and criminal proceedings must also be taken against any such officials.
If a senior municipal manager has committed any financial misconduct, it must be reported to the relevant authorities.
Effective steps must also be taken to recover any financial losses incurred.
The report comes as the Tshwane bus services continue to be dogged by fuel shortages.
Usual bus services were temporarily interrupted by fuel scarcity at depots this week.
This follows similar interruptions to operations in June and September last year.
On Tuesday morning, only a few buses were still transporting commuters throughout the Tshwane metro.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that operations were interrupted on January 31 due to fuel shortages that were not related to any payment irregularities.
He confirmed that the payment for fuel by the metro had been regular and up to date.
“All the City’s three fuel stations are currently empty following non-delivery of fuel by our service providers.
“It is not yet clear as to when will normal operations resume; however, the City is engaging with the service providers with the hope of returning bus operations to full capacity soonest,” he said.
He advised commuters to make alternative transport arrangements.
“The City would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the interruptions to the bus service operations.”
The Tshwane metro announced that bus services would be resumed on Wednesday morning.
*Please note this article has been amended
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