Public Protector to probe another ‘white elephant’
THE PUBLIC Protector is investigating the multimillion-rand Homevale fire station, which has yet to open five years after construction began.
The facility is viewed as yet another white elephant for the city, and the partially completed structure is falling victim to vandals who are stealing building materials.
While expenditure on the station has exceeded R17 million, Sol Plaatje Municipality has stated in council records that another R1.5 million is needed for repairs.
The DA caucus chairperson at Sol Plaatje Municipality, Elize Niemann, stated that the walls are cracking due to “shoddy workmanship and the marshy soil” on which the building was constructed.
“The foundation is sinking and the air conditioners and other fixtures have been stolen,” said Niemann.
She said that approval for the fire station was granted in the 2016/17 financial year and construction commenced in 2019 when a tender was awarded to a contractor.
Niemann stated that costs were escalating following payments of R17.2 million that were made to the contractor.
“The contractor in 2020 indicated that the project was 55 percent complete and that it would be finished by December that year. However, the building has not been signed off yet and the snag list has yet to be completed.”
She pointed out that the safety committee had opposed the request for additional funding.
“Despite the project being incomplete, Sol Plaatje Municipality appointed personnel and procured a new fire truck to the value of R10 million. The truck also remains out of order because of issues with the engine that cannot be resolved until insurance matters are sorted out.”
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi explained that the building was never signed off due to structural defects.
“The repairing of the defects will be funded from the Integrated Urban Development Grant and will unfold during the current 2024/25 financial year,” said Mothibi.
He added that the funds used for repairing the building would be recovered from the contractor's retention fees.
“In addition, the performance guarantee of the contractor is still with the municipality. The contractor is still occupying the site and is providing security.”
Mothibi stated that a geo-technical investigation was conducted prior to the design specifications.
“The municipality has since commissioned an independent geo-technical and structural investigation. The findings were presented to the Safety and Security Committee, which all the political parties in council are a part of. We will implement the recommendations put forward by the independent geo-technical and structural engineer.”
He detailed that the breakdown of costs amounted to R17.2 million, of which R2.5 million was paid for consulting supervision and R12.3 million was spent on construction.
Mothibi said that the R10 million fire truck had been returned to the supplier due to a fault with the computer box.
He added that they were in the process of registering the vehicle under the municipal fleet insurance.
“Major pumpers cost anything between R5 million and R25 million and it all depends on the determined specifications. It remains under supplier insurance at this stage.”
Provincial Public Protector representative Mlungisi Khanya confirmed that they were investigating a complaint of improper conduct and maladministration.
“Due to the serious nature of the allegations involved in the complaint, the matter will be treated as a priority,” said Khanya.
“The complaint is currently at the assessment phase and the team will look at the issues contained in the complaint, including mismanagement of public funds.”
