Auditor General gives the nod to Ilembe audit report

Auditor General Terence Nombembe told a council meeting on January 31 that although the report was unqualified there was an emphasis of matters on irregular expenditure.

This included R19.2 million for contracts awarded that contravened municipal supply chain regulations, expenditure of R47 million that was unauthorized and water distribution losses of 9.3 million kilolitres with a sales value of R63.4 million.

The municipality says these distribution losses are mainly due to ageing infrastructure and that the problem is being addressed by a five-year strategic master plan for the reduction of non-revenue water.

In spite of this, Ilembe Municipal mayor Welcome Mdabe said the report is unique in that it demonstrates that noteworthy inroads had been made in improving the lives of communities in the Ilembe District.

He confirmed that the water and sanitation backlogs have been reduced by 34% and 35% in spite of ageing infrastructure and the small size of the budget.

Mdabe said service delivery and job creation efforts in the next five years will focus on outcome-based strategies to ensure a better life for citizens.

“We remain resolute that a solid foundation has been laid in the last five years and that the period ahead requires a consolidation of gains made to date,” he said.

Commenting on the report, DA councillor Colin Marsh congratulated Ilembe on the fact that the report was unqualified and said the DA has been comfortable to work with the overwhelming majority.

“Our challenge is that we have huge deficiencies. There is a lot of money that is left unspent and this is dragging us down,” said Marsh.

ANC councillor Sandeep Oudhram thanked Ilembe for tabling the report and stated that the ANC will adhere to the report.

“I believe that we have all played a role by working together. We promise to work closely with officials and also ensure to monitor the report closely,” said Oudhram.