E13M FOR DOING NOTHING

EBUHLENI – As the controversy surrounding the stalled construction of the E120 million Buhleni Police Station continues to unravel, it transpires that government paid over E13 million for work not done.

The money was paid to Khula Construction, a Mbabane-based company.
Investigations by the Times SUNDAY have revealed that Khula Construction was awarded a tender to construct the three-storey upmarket police station on February 17, 2015.
On March 12, 2015, government approved a payment of E13 000 697.97, which was paid to the company’s Standard Bank held account.

The money was paid through the Treasury Capital Release Warrant no. 362 of 2014/2015.
The source of funds was the Swaziland Government (Local Funds).

The warrant, dated March 10, 2015 authorised National Commissioner of Police Isaac Magagula was to incur expenditure not exceeding the E15 million for the construction of the police station.
The authority was valid for the financial year that ended on March 31, 2015.

Even though the money was paid to the company prior to it doing any work, it would seem that the company failed to deliver.
This is because it has since stopped the construction work and sources say government has moved to terminate the contract.

The Times SUNDAY visited the construction site at Buhleni, in the northern Hhohho region, about 20 kilometres from the Matsamo border post.
Scaffolding was found mounted from the basement, ready for the pouring of concrete for the construction of the ground floor.
The site was deserted and construction material in the form of reinforced steel was found lying idle.

A security guard found at the site told reporters that the contractor vacated the place in October last year.
“They came back to remove some equipment, without giving an explanation to us,” he said.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: