The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) said on Friday that it is still investigating the alleged tender fraud at Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements, which saw a service provider install steel water tankers at a cost of R5-million each.

In addition to being grossly overpriced, the SIU found that the tanks were not properly functioning.

According to SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago a statement on the matter will be issued once there are outcomes, as the issue is still being investigated.

“So far, this is what has been presented to the Portfolio Committee [on Human Settlements] and we are still continuing with investigations to determine what led to the excessive costing of water tankers,” he said.

Mpumalanga Department of Human Settlements spokesperson Freddy Ngobe stated that the department is committed to clean governance and accountability.

“We are yet to receive the report from the SIU, however, suffice to say that we have been cooperating with the SIU and provided them with all information they required timeously,” he said.

He further reaffirmed that such cooperation will continue until the department receives the final report and applies itself accordingly.

Moreover, Ngobe indicated that the SIU recently requested additional information on the same matter which is due for submission before July 14.

“As far as we are concerned, the SIU is still continuing with its investigation and we will continue to pledge our cooperation to this effect as we await the final report. The department shall present more details once the report is made available and processed accordingly,” Ngobe said.