‘Maladministration in construction of the Lesseyton Sports field’

FILE | Lesseyton Sport Facility outside Komani, Eastern Cape.

2 minutes

Public Protector, Adv Kholeka Gcaleka has found that there was improper conduct and maladministration by Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality officials relating to the construction of the Lesseyton Sports field near Komani in the Eastern Cape.

Gcaleka briefed the media in Bisho about the findings of her investigation into the R20 million stadium that caught the attention of many for being poorly constructed.

She says proper processes for procurement, contract management and oversight during construction were not followed.

He says, “In this instance, it was senior officials who are qualified in the respective areas, who should have ensured that they execute this power in the interests of the people and they did not do so, not just only in the procurement process but it furthered into the management of the contract, paying out large sums of money without due diligence.”

Traditional Leader, Chief Wongalesizwe Zimema is concerned about fixing this problem and is calling for disciplinary action against the implicated officials.

Zimema says, “With the people that are still occupying offices who have not yet been put to book according to the findings of PP, we urge that all the senior officials to make sure that all these people are brought to book.”

Community member Thembile Waxa says, “Enoch Mgijima is a cash strapped municipality and then if the remedial actions she has recommended are not done what is going to happen, because as a Chapter Nine institution she can’t arrest anyone, so what are the consequences?”