The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has asked the National Treasury to investigate the R236 million water tanker tender awarded to Nutinox and Builtpro Construction.
The party’s call for an investigation follows recent revelations of irregularities in the tender process, as exposed by publications, Daily Maverick and Amabungane.
Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, DA Johannesburg Caucus Leader, said that despite raising serious concerns with the relevant MMCs, Jack Sekwaila and Loyiso Masuku, the DA’s requests for clarity have been met with silence.
“We have also submitted a comprehensive Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) request, to ensure that all information relating to the awarding of this tender is made public,” said Kayser-Echeozonjoku.
“We believe that there has been a violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act 2003, specifically Section 112(1). We are concerned that there could have been a lapse in due diligence, transparency, and accountability throughout this tender process.”
Nutinox and Builtpro Construction have been contracted to supply Johannesburg with 70 water tankers over the next three years.
This includes 14 tankers in Randburg, eight in Midrand, five in Marlboro/Sandton, 12 in Soweto, 25 in Ennerdale, and three in Johannesburg Central.
The contract also allows the city to procure additional tankers during water shortages.
However, the DA said it had seen like all residents the major challenge experienced with the current water tanker service providers.
“During the recent water crisis and planned maintenance shutdowns, tankers could not provide water to those who needed it. We will do all we can, especially with these new dodgy tenders, to avoid continued failures,” Kayser-Echeozonjoku said.
“We have been made aware that a competing bidder in the tender process, like us, believes that the awarding was dodgy. They are hauling the City in front of the courts, yet another expensive thrashing awaits the City of Johannesburg, all because they are incapable of following the law.”
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