Damning forensic report for Umuziwabantu Municipality
Cogta KZN spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila said the department is aware of the report and directed the municipality to deal with matters raised in their internal investigation in terms of the disciplinary regulations for senior managers.
A 65-page forensic investigative report on Umuziwabantu Municipality has implicated municipal manager West Gumede and other senior officials for allegedly inflating prices of four projects which date from 2017.
The report by Makali Group Forensic Services revealed that the municipality received a R931 410 quote for furniture from a supplier but awarded the contract to a construction company that charged R2.3 million.
The report found that the price was inflated and that it was irregular to award a contract to a construction company to procure furniture.
It also revealed irregularities when it came to awarding tenders for the construction of the new Umuziwabantu municipal offices, Endlovini sports field, Mdulashe access road and the Nogumbe access road.
Some of the recommendations in the forensic report included a disciplinary hearing for Gumede, for failing to disclose material information to Council regarding the variations sought for the infrastructure projects.
The report also suggested that Umuziwabantu Council should also consider the findings regarding the procurement of furniture and irregular payment of R615 157,67 and consider opening a criminal case against the officials involved.
Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma added pressure on Umuziwabantu Municipality by asking council to implement the forensic report findings.
Cogta KZN spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila said the department is aware of the report and directed the municipality to deal with matters raised in their internal investigation in terms of the disciplinary regulations for senior managers.
Inkatha Freedom Party councillor in Umuziwabantu, Thubelihle Machi said they also want the recommendations in the forensic report implemented because as opposition parties they had been suspecting irregularities when it came to the new municipal offices, Endlovini Sports Field and the Mdulashe and Nogumbe Access Roads.
Comment from the municipal manager was sought but the municipal spokesperson responded to the Fever’s query.
Municipal spokesperson, Bruce Jalubane said at a special council meeting held in October, Council received a presentation on findings of the forensic investigative report for the first time.
“Council welcomed the report and vouched to subject the matter for further processing. Moreover, council convened on two further occasions to deliberate on the way forward. Council is still processing the matter and once concluded the matter will be communicated with the public,” said Jalubane.
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