Water utility supports probe

KWAZULU-Natal water utility Umgeni Water has welcomed the Presidential Proclamation to probe its affairs, and assured stakeholders that it would give full co-operation to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigating allegations of graft.

This is after President Cyril Ramaphosa on February 1 made a Presidential Proclamation for a corruption probe at Umgeni Water dating back to January 2012.

The water utility has been plagued by allegations of corruption, including reports of a R220 million security tender that was awarded to a company with political connections.

Umgeni Water is the second largest water board in the country, with an annual turnover of more than R2.4 billion and a five-year capital expenditure budget of more than R7bn.

Among the things the SIU will investigate are allegations of serious maladministration; improper and unlawful conduct by board members, officials and employees; and unlawful appropriation or expenditure of public money.

“The SIU will receive the required support to enable them to conduct their work without hindrance and also bring to finality matters under scrutiny,” Umgeni Water said.

“Notwithstanding the allegations as reflected in the Presidential Proclamation, Umgeni Water assures its stakeholders that the entity remains stable, resilient, properly governed and continuously improves its internal processes to align to best practices and remains committed to full legal compliance.”

The water utility also said its financial and non-financial performance continued to improve, ensuring that its ability to execute its mandate brought confidence to all its stakeholders.

| African News Agency