Frank Maponya

Frank Maponya

A provincial auditor-general's report has noted a number of serious irregularities in the way a rural municipality conducted its affairs around the construction of a civic hall during the 2006-07 financial year.

But the local authority's spokesman, Mahlatse Mabelane, said he could not immediately comment on behalf of the Fetakgomo municipality in the Sekhukhune area.

He said he would have to consult with other officials before saying anything about the Fetakgomo Civic Hall saga.

The irregularities pertain to the municipality allegedly appointing a consultant, MAMS Architecture and Planning, without asking for tenders.

It is also alleged that irregular payments were made by MAMS to JDR Construction, the firm it appointed to construct the hall.

The report found that the municipality paid MAMS R10544866, which included the amount that was to be paid to the contractor.

But the first payment to JDR was made before it was appointed by MAMS and n o disclosure was made of the irregular expenditure in the 2006-07 financial statements .

Other irregularities around payment to JDR were noted and the auditor-general also questioned the validity of the appointment of MAMS as a consultant.

The report also noted that the terminology in the financial statement was not consistent and that VAT invoices did not meet legal requirements.