Minister Sihle Zikalala of Public Works and Infrastructure has launched an investigation to ensure transparency and tackle questionable procurement practices related to the maintenance of government properties. This decision came in response to recent revelations of exorbitant costs for maintenance and refurbishments on various government properties in Cape Town and Pretoria.
Concerns Over Extravagant Expenditure
The expenses include a kitchen refurbishment worth R1.4 million, curtains procured for R54,000, and fumigation services costing R240,000. Such extravagant expenditure has raised concerns over the possible misuse of public funds and potential involvement of corruption.
Prudent Spending and Leading by Example
Minister Zikalala aims to ensure that public funds are spent prudently, and wasteful or excessive spending is not tolerated. In line with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s directive, Zikalala stressed the importance of leading by example and setting the right tone in spending public money.
Investigation and Procurement Legislative Regime
The investigation will scrutinize pricing practices, procurement related to maintenance, and conduct comparisons to determine whether these expenses are justifiable. Minister Zikalala emphasized that the procurement legislative regime is clear in excluding elected representatives from procurement matters, thus maintaining their integrity.
Clean-up and Prudent Spending
Minister Zikalala believes that it is time to clean up the maintenance programme on government properties to eliminate any allegations or perceptions of wrongdoing. To address the issue of providing resources and effective tools of trade to those directed by citizens, he insists that this must be done in a more prudent manner with justifiable costs.
New Proposal and Unveiling
To protect the integrity of the government and address these issues, the Minister is working on a new proposal to be presented to various decision-making bodies within the government. Some of these interventions are scheduled to be unveiled on May 23, 2023, during the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure’s budget vote presentation.
No Political Principal Involved
Minister Zikalala has assured the public that no political principal is involved in the excessive finishes, and the government abhors excessive conduct with taxpayers’ money, particularly during times when resources are being deployed to core services.
Building Trust and Ensuring Responsible Use of Public Funds
The investigation’s findings will be reported to President Ramaphosa, demonstrating the Department’s commitment to rooting out questionable procurement practices and ensuring transparency in the maintenance of government properties. This initiative by Minister Zikalala is a crucial step toward building trust and ensuring responsible use of public funds in the maintenance of state assets.
