THE Sekhukhune district municipality in Limpopo is investigating allegations of tender irregularities involving about R160 million

The investigations started when four tenders worth more than R80 million were allegedly awarded to two companies, Mashaipone Construction and MM Trading.

They are reportedly owned by a close friend of a senior official in the technical services department.

The two companies were billed to work on the Nkadimeng Regional Water Scheme to draw water from local dams and supply it to villages hard-hit by drought.

The companies were awarded four tenders worth R83 million

Municipality spokesperson Willy Mosoma confirmed yesterday that they were investigating allegations of tender manipulation involving senior staff members.

"We launched internal investigations soon after suspecting that there was a problem in the tendering process," Mosoma said.

"We are not pointing any fingers at anyone but we can say on record that some of our own officials are being linked to the fraudulent activities at the institution."

An official at the municipality, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Sowetan that about 22 water and sanitation projects worth R160 million were awarded dubiously in February.

"We have since reported the matter to the special investigating unit to establish how and when the evaluation process was done," he said.

Mosoma said the municipality aimed to recover the money lost through tenders.

The alleged irregularities in the tendering process came days after Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale warned new mayors and councillors that there was no place for corrupt individuals in his government.

He called on all government officials to declare their business interests upon assuming office.