File image. Picture: Ian Landsberg/ Afrcan News Agency (ANA).
UMSOBOMVU municipality approved deviations to procure two old trucks for R592 250, as it was unable to afford new vehicles, due to “financial constraints”.
On July 26 2020 an advert was published for the supply and delivery of a 2005 used five cubic metre tipper truck with the closing date being August 10 2020.
Only one quotation of R1,9 million was received after the stipulated closing date.
The accounting officer approved two deviation memorandums on July 20 and 22 2020 stating that the procurement of the trucks would help to “fast track service delivery” whereby due to financial constraints the municipality was unable to purchase new trucks.
The municipality purchased a 2008 model two ton Nissan Cabstar truck for R103 500 and a 2001 model used Isuzu GVR 2300 eight cubic metre tipper truck for an amount of R488 750.
The investigation report into allegations of improper conduct and maladministration at Umsobomvu Municipality found that supply chain management (SCM) processes were contravened.
“The accounting officer’s conduct was unlawful in relation to the purchase/acquisition of old trucks as it was outside the prescrips of the SCM prescripts. This may be attributed to the fact that the municipality failed to conduct proper planning in terms of the procurement of goods and services. The municipality did not have a procurement plan to procure goods and services above the value of R200 000.”
The report indicated that the accounting officer had deliberately split the procurement of the trucks to eliminate having to comply with the competitive bidding process.
It was recommended tht disciplinary action be taken against the municipal manager Mr AC Mpela, former CFO Mr D Visagie and the technical manager Mr S Nkcithiso.
It stated that the transaction should be recorded as irregular expenditure on the asset forfeiture register.
“The Speaker should institute an investigation into the conduct of the members of the municipal public accounts for possible breach of the code of conduct for councillors,” the report said.