Lesetja Malope
The South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (Safcec) has decided to approach National Treasury to audit the Polokwane Municipality after being denied access to information regarding an alleged tender irregularity.
The tender, which Polokwane Observer reported on two weeks ago, was allegedly awarded to a company despite it quoting the highest price, more than R7 million, and two other companies scoring higher than it according to the municipality’s own scoring criteria.
Safcec has over the past few weeks tried in vain to acquire details of the adjudication processes and results but the municipality has repeatedly denied stating that it would not disclose information relating to a third party without consent.
The tender is of street rehabilitation and patching of potholes in and around the city.
The municipality’s Public Relations Officer Mr Phuti Lekganyane said the company scored the highest and has the required experience and the finances to do the job.
"During the short listing process it was established that only two companies met the specific requirements and a final decision was made looking at these entities. The preferred company scored the highest and has the necessary experience and the financial ability to carry out this project," he said.
He also said the Pretoria-based company has done satisfactory work for the municipality and has the required CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) Grading.
"It has also done work for the Municipality previously at a satisfactory level and has the required CIDB Grading to deliver on a project of this magnitude," he added.
However the municipal spin doctor’s version of the tale contradicts the adjudication score results, whose copy indicates that the company did not score the highest and in fact is the third highest.
Safcec’s Contractual Affairs Manager, Mr Neville Gurry said the organisation would be taking the matter up with National Treasury and requesting it to intervene.
"We are not at all happy with the response and will be asking National Treasury to undertake a full Audit," he said.
Meanwhile the company has already started work on the city’s roads as instructed by the municipality.