OVER E576M DOWN THE DRAIN

MBABANE – Over E0.5 billion of taxpayers’ money has literally gone down the drain. This is the money that the taxpayer has parted with due to the non-completion and eventual stoppage of the construction of the Nhlangano to Sicunusa (MR13) Road – Project.

The shocking revelation was discovered by the auditor general (AG) when an audit of the project was made.
The AG, Timothy Matsebula, described the project as one that ‘resembled a drought-stricken grazing area’.

The AG stated that he had raised concerns with the controlling officer that the initial planned duration of completion was within 24 months, however, it was still incomplete 60 months later.

“I also reported that the cost of the project at its inception was E465 990 202.85. However, during my audit inspection I noted that a total of E576 101 574.86 had been paid out for this incomplete project,” reported the AG.

The AG stated that of much concern was that the contractor, Kukhanya/Gabriel Couto Joint Venture had suspended works and the project resembled a drought-stricken grazing area.

Quality

The AG submitted that he was also concerned that the project would be of compromised quality, if it would ever be completed by the current contractor.
These are allegations in the AG’s report for the financial year ended March 31, 2018, which is yet to be debated and adopted by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

The AG continued to state that the most disconcerting fact was that in the implementation of the project, the controlling officer had been flouting and contravening loan requirements, rules, criterion, contractual obligations and construction standards from the first day. The project was under the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.  

The AG further raised concerns to the controlling officer that the main contractor in the project, Gabriel Couto/Kukhanya Joint Venture was recommended for tendering stage despite not meeting prequalification requirements.

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