Residents pay dearly for misused taxes

Gauteng residents continue to have their hard-earned taxes spent irresponsibly. There are currently 15 cases relating to irregular, unauthorised and fruitless and wasteful expenditure under investigation by the Gauteng provincial government.

The departments of e-government, health, human settlements and agriculture and rural development all reported cases of irregular expenditure.

Unauthorised, irregular, fruitless and wasteful expenditures amounted to R160,782,616,35.

There is currently an investigation by the department of e-government into the procurement of the services of Guardian Proxy Services. The department of health is currently investigating allegations of procurement and human resources irregularities.

Human settlements is currently investigating an allegation of irregular provisions of security services regarding land invasion and the illegal occupation of houses.

The department of agriculture and rural development is investigating the alleged irregular provision of security services in respect of land invasion and illegal occupation of houses.

This trend regarding unauthorised, irregular and wasteful and fruitless expenditure appears to be a norm and lengthy, costly investigations take years to conclude. Disciplinary action must take place and, even if the official resigns, they should be charged in their private capacity.

This is the only way in which we can clamp down on this trend. While irregular expenditure may not necessarily lead to material losses, it is concerning that this makes up the bulk of the cases that are being investigated.

Gauteng residents deserve to have a capable government in place that is willing to make sure that there is value for every rand and cent spent on their behalf.

Ina Cilliers, DA Gauteng, MPL