The FF Plus has asked the Public Protector (PP) to investigate the JS Moroka Local Municipality because it sunk exorbitantly expensive boreholes, which cost more than R800 000 in some cases.
A Section-106 investigation in terms of the Municipal Systems Act was launched in 2020 after 19 boreholes had been sunk for an amount of R8,6 million, however, no steps have since been taken against the officials implicated in the report.
In 2019, the standard fee for sinking a borehole in Mpumalanga was between R30 000 and R50 000.
The money was part of an R18 million drought-relief fund that the provincial government allocated to the Municipality.
Most of the boreholes in question were sunk on properties owned by municipal officials.
One borehole, which reportedly cost R860 000, was allegedly drilled on an ANC regional leader's land to supply his cattle with drinking water.
The FF Plus approached the PP to ensure that the guilty parties are criminality prosecuted and that the misappropriated funds are recovered.
Earlier this year, the FF Plus also requested feedback from the Premier, Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, on the investigation into JS Moroka's misappropriation of the drought-relief fund.
The Premier confirmed that the investigation had been finalised and that its findings and rulings of maladministration have been submitted to the municipal council for execution.
According to her, arrests are soon to follow.
The Municipality has not yet implemented the report's recommendations, so, the FF Plus asked the PP to look into that as well.
The FF Plus will keep a watchful eye on the process to ensure that all those guilty of the misappropriation of funds and corruption are brought to book.
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