Millions more for water tankers deepens Tshwane Metro’s dependance – AfriForum

It is alarming to AfriForum that the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality continues its dependence on water tankers by approving a further R242 million for these services. This adjusted budget represents an increase of 64% of the existing budget, which already amounts to R378 million.

“This inexplicable and excessive increase raises serious questions about whether proper processes were followed to determine the necessity of these additional water tankers. Given the Metro’s ongoing financial problems, such a large budget adjustment must be accompanied by transparency and a clear justification,” says Sampie Steinberg, AfriForum’s Head of the Northern Region.

Although the need for reliable water distribution is undeniable, it is of great importance that public funds are used effectively. AfriForum therefore demands, for the sake of transparency, clarity from the Metro regarding the increase to this budget.

AfriForum is calling for, among other things:

• a detailed breakdown of the spending of the original R378 million budget;
• a full explanation as to why an additional R242 million is needed in the budget, including details on the procurement, costs and tender processes;
• the consideration of alternative solutions for water security, rather than a continued reliance on expensive water tankers; and
• assurance that taxpayers’ money is not wasted on tenderpreneurs or irregular procurement processes.

“The Metro cannot be allowed to approve these enormous budget increases without proper justification or efforts to improve the existing water infrastructure and availability. The residents of the Tshwane Metro deserve clarity and demand transparency and accountability on how their money is spent,” says Steinberg.

AfriForum expects timely feedback on the matter and calls on officials to investigate this budget increase. If the Metro cannot adequately defend this decision, AfriForum reserves the right to take steps to prevent the possible misuse of taxpayers’ money.