DA in Sekhukhune to lodge complaint with PP to probe SDM
SEKHUKHUNE – The Democratic Alliance in Sekhukhune announced that it would lodge a formal complaint with the office of the Public Protector in Polokwane to probe the district municipality after the Municipal Manager, Nora Maseko, allegedly authorized a ‘staggering R66,7 million on diesel generators and VIP Sanitation Projects’.
The DA alleges from invoices provided to it, a ‘shocking R437 000’ was allegedly paid per generator and alleged the ‘reckless expenditure’ had allegedly culminated into ‘R213 million in unauthorized expenditure due to alleged tender irregularities and mismanagement of funds during the 2018/19 financial year’.
The party said it was deeply concerned that the rural municipality which continued to fail to provide service delivery its residents had been turned into corruption hub for self-enrichment.
However, Sekhukhune District Municipality Spokesperson, Willy Mosoma, said it was within the party’s constitutional right, like any other person or persons in the country to refer whatever matter to the Public Protector.
Mosoma said on the issue itself, council received report regarding the state of SDM on the Annual Financial Statements for 2018/19 financial year.
“Part of those reports pertain to irregular expenditure. Now the report has been engaged and referred to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) while on the other hand awaiting the final determination by the Auditor General. Therefore, it means that it’s premature for anybody to pronounce with confidence on this matter,” said Mosoma.
He concluded that it was important to note those were SDM reports generated internally as they strived for clean and accountable local governance.
“Therefore, pending final determination by MPACC and AG, we need to be patient. Lastly, we can commit that consequence management will apply,” concluded Mosoma.