Special Investigating Unit to probe waste service contractors
The Limpopo Department of Health is facing more scrutiny from the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) over alleged maladministration relating to waste management contracts.
POLOKWANE – The investigation was authorised by President Cyril Ramaphosa through proclamation R55 of 2022 and will investigate possible wrongdoing that occurred between January 1, 2010 and March 18 this year.
The proclamation authorises the unit to investigate potential irregularities and recover any financial losses suffered by the state or the department, through civil litigation.
The latest developments happened on the heels of the SIU report on the maladministration of PPE funds to the tune of R125m, in which senior departmental officials are implicated.
In a statement, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago says the current investigation will focus on waste management service contracts.
“The probe will specifically look at contracts for the removal, treatment, transportation, collection, treatment and disposal of healthcare risk waste. Furthermore, the SIU will probe payments which were made in respect thereof in a manner that was not fair, equitable, transparent, competitive or cost-effective or contrary to applicable legislation or circulars or instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant provincial treasury.”
He says the SIU will refer any evidence that points to criminal conduct to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action.
Polokwane Observer was previously tipped off about medical waste that was improperly disposed of along the Silicon road in June 2021.
Read more: Medical waste along Silicon road poses risk
The complainant at the time informed the paper of bloodied swabs, used casts and other medical waste next to the road.
At the time, departmental spokesperson Neil Shikwambana ensured residents that the department had contracted a medical waste company that ensures that medical waste is disposed off according to legal guidelines.
The investigation was welcomed by Provincial Government, with spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela saying they will act as per recommendations following the outcome.
