The Democratic Alliance (DA) in eThekwini welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision to grant the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) the mandate to investigate fraudulent activities surrounding a water and sanitation infrastructure contract in the eThekwini municipality.
The investigation, focusing on the Y6525AZ1 project for ablution blocks and infrastructure upgrades, is a crucial step towards addressing systemic corruption that has plagued the city’s water services.
The DA has consistently highlighted the ongoing issues within the municipality’s Water and Sanitation department, noting that corruption and mismanagement have been key contributors to the widespread service delivery failures affecting eThekwini residents. The decision to involve the SIU sends a clear message that corruption will not be tolerated, and those responsible for the unlawful expenditure of public funds must be held accountable.
The investigation will cover a broad range of serious concerns, including maladministration, improper conduct by municipal officials, the unlawful appropriation of public property, and the potential loss of public funds due to negligent or intentional actions. The scope of the probe, which spans from January 2015 to the present, underscores the extent of the challenges facing the municipality and the urgency of bringing those responsible to justice.
Considering this, the DA calls for full cooperation from all city officials involved in this matter. It is essential that the investigation proceeds without obstruction, and that those in positions of power within the municipality assist the SIU in uncovering the truth behind these serious allegations.
The DA remains committed to ensuring that public resources are managed transparently and efficiently, and that the people of eThekwini receive the quality water and sanitation services they deserve. We believe that this investigation is a critical step towards restoring integrity to the municipality and rebuilding public trust.
We will continue to monitor the progress of this investigation and urge the SIU to act swiftly to bring those responsible for any wrongdoing to justice. The DA remains resolute in its efforts to fight corruption and protect the interests of eThekwini residents.