The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Northern Cape is concerned that the provincial government continues to entertain lease agreements with questionable companies at a time when the fight against corruption should be employed in full force to stop wastage that robs citizens of service delivery.

The DA recently received confirmation from the Department of Roads and Public Works that Trifecta leases are still ongoing on behalf of the Department of Social Development in Springbok and Kuruman. Ocean Echo leases are also entered into with the Department of Roads and Public Works for the Southern Life building in Kimberley, with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism for the Umzimkulu building in Kimberley, and with COGHSTA for the Meridian building in Kimberley.

It is no secret that the former MEC of Finance, John Block, who is currently in prison, was found guilty of using his influence to ensure that the Trifecta group of companies was awarded lease agreements with various Northern Cape government departments. At the same time, Mr Block previously ignored an instruction from then Minister of National Treasury, Pravin Gordhan, not to enter into a ten-year lease with the Ocean Echo Company for the offices of the Department of Transport, Safety and Liaison.

It boggles the mind that so many leases, with questionable companies, continue to be entertained. This, by a department that is set to reclaim its mandate as the guardian of the entire property portfolio of the province.

The DA has serious questions relating to the above leases, including when they were entered into, when they expire, why departments still have lease agreements under their own names, when these are meant to be facilitated by Roads and Public Works, and also what attempts, if any were made to regularise these leases after damning evidence points to worrisome irregularities.

We wonder if the premier, Dr Zamani Saul, who is determined to place even more responsibility on the shoulders of the Department of Roads and Public Works, is even aware of these leases, which they facilitate, and we will waste no time in asking him. If he is aware, he must justify why his provincial government continues to do business with these companies.

Leases cost the government millions of Rands. We need all the facts and we need transparency if we are to protect government assets from corruption. The DA will take this matter up with the Department of Roads and Public Works during tomorrow's scheduled legislature portfolio committee meeting

 

Issued by The DA