This follows allegations of tender irregularities worth R134 million to a civil engineering company. 

According to the departmental spokesperson, Lerato Gambu, MEC Oageng Molapisi has confirmed receiving the report and ordered an independent forensic investigation to be instituted urgently.

Gambu says the report indicates that the department has no record of any official termination of contract concerning the two abandoned projects but only a “notice of termination’’ that was issued to the contractor. 

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It's said that the termination processes were never concluded. Gambu added that there was no process to register a complaint against the contractor. 

Molapisi has since directed the Head of the Department, Moss Kgantsi, to institute an internal investigation on a tender awarded to Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services valued at R134 million. 

“It is an anomaly that a project is abandoned. Nothing is said about it, and officials continue with business as usual. I demand accountability for this negligence and waste of taxpayers’ money.”

In finding a permanent solution to this matter, Molapisi has directed Kgantsi to terminate the department’s contract with Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services without delay. 

North West Public Works and Roads HOD, Moses Kgantsi, has refused to comment on allegations that he and CFO Peter Modika demanded kickbacks from Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services. https://t.co/4sBVBiAx7G

— African Times (@ATNewsSA) July 8, 2023

Gambu said Molapisi has also outlined the following terms of reference to guide the independent forensic investigation:

1. Investigation of the appointment of Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services for contract PWR 127/14 from Khunotswana Village towards N4, to the total amount of R134 million.

2. Investigation of project management on the following contract; (a) PWR 09/17B-FA23 for patch and reseal of road D521 from road P51/1 in Segwaelane to Wonderkop. The appointed service provider was Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services; (b) PWR 09/17D FA-24: Patch and Reseal of Road P63/1 from Letlhabile to Hebron (Gauteng Border) including intersection improvement on the Mangope Highway. The appointed service provider was Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services; and 

3. Investigation on any other abandoned project by Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services. 

Roadworks by NCES. Photo: Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services

"The Head of Department must appoint an independent forensic investigator in line with the terms of reference provided, and within six weeks of appointment, the investigation should be concluded. The outcomes of the investigation will be made public and whatever remedial actions recommended by the final report will be actioned to the latter; including consequence management recommended,” Molapisi said.

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