eThekwini denies spending R500m on streetlights project

eThekwini denies spending R500m on streetlights project

The eThekwini Municipality has denied blowing hundreds of millions of rands on a streetlight maintenance contract.

eThekwini Municipality has launched an investigation following claims that the City forked out R579m for a two-year contract to fix and maintain street lights across the metro.
Mujahid Safodien and Neo Ntsoma

It has hit out at a news report which states that the city spent R579 million on a project to fix and maintain streetlights across Durban. 

 

The News24 article says the work should've cost eThekwini around R91 million. The report says a spreadsheet lists the amounts paid to 18 companies between November 2019 and December 2020.

 

The city previously acknowledged that money had been overspent after a forensic investigator concluded their probe into the contract. 

 READ: Ramaphosa vows to fight dirty money after 'grey' listing

Spokesperson Msawakhe Mayisela says the figure wasn't as high as half a billion rand. 

 

"This is disinformation of the highest order, and we are inviting anyone who has any evidence in this regard to come forward. 

 

"There is an investigation currently underway and we are appealing to all our stakeholders interested in this matter to allow the process to run its course. Once we have concluded this investigation, we will share it with all our stakeholders."

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