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R6m Johannesburg Roads Agency project on ice

A R6 million construction project in Orange Farm is on hold after two Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) officials were found to have allegedly flouted supply chain regulations.

This is according to a confidential investigation report, which was commissioned after an irregular expenditure of almost R1.5 million was spotted by the organisation’s audit and finance committee.

The project, which the JRA was implementing on behalf of the transport department, has now hit a brick wall and two senior officials fingered by the report have left the institution.

According to the report, operations manager Hendrik Mienie and one of his subordinates, Thamsanqa Biyela, got rid of a company that had already finished 950m of the 1.6km of work in Link Street after an alleged breach. Mienie then appointed, without authority, another company, committing to the tune of R1.5 million.

The report further states that Biyela and Mienie allocated an additional R866 213 for completing the project, knowing that 81.6% of the contract value was already paid out despite only 68% of the work being done.

The JRA confirmed that Shonisani Rambau Construction was awarded the project tender worth R6 004 419.88.

“In addition, Nathoo Mbenyane Engineers was appointed as professional services for design, implementation and construction supervision of complete streets in Soweto, Orange Farm, Diepsloot, Ivory Park, Braamfischerville and Alexandra for a two-year period at a cost of R1 722 952 – excluding VAT, including 10% contingencies.

"G4 [Civils] submitted an invoice of R1 548 690.00, including VAT, for work claimed to have been performed. The work relates to the construction of a complete street in Orange Farm. The full expenditure of R1 548 690 was recovered from G4 Civils in the form of a credit note,” JRA acting managing director Goodwill Mbatha said, further confirming that the two officials were involved.

Mbatha also confirmed that both officials were not with the JRA: “Biyela was dismissed in a formal hearing and Mienie resigned at the beginning of his hearing. No other officials were implicated in the investigation.”

However, City Press has seen a letter purportedly penned by Biyela in which he is seeking to appeal the dismissal.

“The appeal is against the sanction. It is too harsh,” reads part of the letter dated March 6 2018.

Complete Streets is a project that aims to redesign streets to be user-friendly for all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities.

Mienie said he did not resign because of the irregularities or as a sign of guilt. Biyela referred the questions to JRA and G4 Civils did not respond to questions sent.

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