Millions of rand in unused inventory is gathering dust at the Ekurhuleni Metro’s Energy Department, while basic items such as light bulbs are not available.
According to a report by the Energy Department, there is currently R512 million worth of inventory at the Boksburg warehouse.
There is also a further R14 million of inventory that was last used in 2022.
Several items needed for maintenance and emergency repairs are out of stock, though, negatively impacting service delivery and public safety.
Some of the unused inventory in warehouses include the following:
โข Prepaid single-phase meters to the value of R25 million;
โข Diesel to the value of R15 million;
โข Green refuse bags to the value of R13 million;
โข Network rotators costing R13,6 million. This is a communication device that collects data from various devices, such as prepaid meters, and transmits it to a central control system.
These items are sometimes used, but not as often as emergency repair materials.
The inventory standing in warehouses since 2022 and 2023 include:
โข 6 917 single-phase meters worth R4,65 million;
โข 3 400 smart prepaid meters worth R3,8 million;
โข 5 mini substations worth R3,52 million.
The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) is of the opinion that the procurement patterns of items do not correspond with actual demand.
Transparency in the procurement of supplies is also questionable, as the Metro often uses only a small group of preferred suppliers.
The Freedom Front Plus asked the Mayoral Committee Member for Energy, Mzayifani Ngwenya, to explain why non-essential items are procured while essential inventory is not. An investigation should also be conducted to determine whether there are any irregularities in the procurement procedures and whether there are officials who are financially benefiting from the acquisition of unnecessary inventory from suppliers.
It is unacceptable that millions of rand worth of inventory is gathering dust while service delivery is collapsing.
