CALLS FOR PROBE INTO POWER SAGA INTENSIFY

THE NORTHERN Cape Civics Organisation has called for a forensic investigation into wasteful and irregular expenditure at Sol Plaatje Municipality following a "suspicious" multimillion-rand tender awarded for an electrification project.

- SANDI KWON HOO

According to an agreement dated August 25, Sol Plaatje municipal manager Thapelo Matlala agreed to pay Mokgwaro Electrical Contractors CC R2.6 million, plus interest of R1.1 million dating back to 2022, as well as legal costs.

This followed an instruction from the sheriff's office to execute a court order on July 7.

The chairperson of the Northern Cape Civics Organisation, Ross Henderson, said that Mokgwaro Electrical Contractors was initially appointed for an electricity project in Lethabo Park, near Roodepan.

“Upon completion of the work, the contractors were apparently verbally instructed by Matlala to electrify the Riemvasmaak old golf course, although they did not receive payment.

“This prompted them to approach the Northern Cape High Court, which subsequently ruled in their favour,” he said.

Henderson questioned whether supply chain management processes were followed when the contractor's services were extended for the Riemvasmaak electrification project.