SIU flags pay-before-work pattern at OR Tambo, blames non-cooperation for delays

By Thapelo Molefe

The Special Investigating Unit has uncovered what it describes as a clear pattern of contractors being paid before doing any work at the OR Tambo District Municipality, while also raising alarm over a lack of cooperation from the Municipal Manager.

Briefing Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, SIU Eastern Cape head of investigations Mike Koya said several infrastructure projects revealed the same modus operandi.

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“You can see the same modus operandi here that companies get appointed on the same date and they receive payment on the same date for work that is not being done,” Koya told MPs.

Detailing the construction of the Signal Hill Reservoir, Koya said the municipality used consulting firm GIBB to evaluate the tender, but its recommendation was ignored. 

“No plausible explanation was advanced