SIU to probe Water Dept’s ‘war on leaks’ project
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the SIU to investigate allegations of serious maladministration and corruption at the Department of Water and Sanitation.
Ramaphosa signed the proclamation which will ensure the recovery of any financial losses suffered by the State or the department.
Former president Jacob Zuma launched the war on leaks programme in 2015.
The project was aimed at reducing water losses through leaks and tackling unemployment through the of training 15,000 youths to do the job.
The project was signed in 2015 by then Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane.
“The scope of the investigation also covers any unlawful or improper conduct by department officials or employees, the applicable suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity which has caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public,” said SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
“Furthermore, the investigation will also establish whether there was any unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money.”
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Other projects that the SIU has been tasked to investigate include the “Drop the Block” Project, and the contract entered into between the department and Sedibeng Water in April 2016.
The “Almost Empty Outdoor” campaign and the appointment of Sedibeng Water as the implementing agent in an allegedly irregular manner for the provision of generic services in 2016 will also come under scrutiny.
“The SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers during its investigations to the National Prosecuting Authority for further action," warned Kganyago.
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