Parys – A group of Tumahole business people claim that the Ngwathe Local Municipality did not advertise the Tumahole Municipal Office Renovation Tender. The group raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of municipal processes and points to a possible instance of a questionable tender process.
Tumahole Offices under renovations by Unknown Contractor. Picture Supplied
The Ngwathe municipality appears to be in the media for the wrong reasons, as some businesspeople plan to expose additional allegations of nepotism and corruption that appear to benefit political friends.
During the Parys Protests in January, when residents complained about ongoing issues with electricity and water, angry residents in Tumahole set fire to municipal offices.
The concerned business group has also accused the Mayor of allegedly hiring a company close to her from outside Parys. This gives an impression of a municipality that continues to fail on local economic development
Victoria De Beer, Executive mayor of Ngwathe Municipality, has denied the allegations, distanced herself from the tender, and instead of giving proper responses referred all correspondence to the finance department.
“I would like to clarify that the Office of the Executive Mayor does not handle the tender processes or have direct involvement in the administration of the project.”
“We understand your desire for transparency and obtaining detailed information regarding the project. Therefore, we encourage you to contact the finance department for information regarding the tender process, budget allocation, subcontracting, and project management. They will be able to provide you with the necessary details.” said the Mayor.
ANC Fezile Dabi Region Regional Chairperson Victoria De Beer
Central News has noted concerns regarding a junior official in the office of the Mayor who signed a project document which supposedly was the mandate of the accounting officer.
“Regarding the advertisement and the role of the Community Liaison Officer (CLO), we would like to clarify that Maki Mosia serves as the Municipal Community Liaison Officer. As part of her role, she may be authorized to sign the advertisement and assist in the appointment process of a CLO. “ said the Mayor in defense.
One local businessman stated, “ The Mayor hired a company from outside Parys without considering the capacity of local construction companies is worrying. It suggests that the ANC Led-municipality may not be prioritizing local business people and that decisions are being made based on connections rather than merit.”
The process of appointing local subcontractors and a Community Liaison Officer for the project is currently underway and the community is being invited to participate in the process.
Central News inquired about the tender in a letter to the finance department, but the Chief Financial Officer’s office did not respond.
This is a developing story.
#centralnewsza
Current state of Tumahole Municipal Office . Pictures Supplied
CENTRAL NEWS
————————————————————
DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0814955487