Gautrain: Premier "responsible for costly delays"?

[Steve Appleton]

From Timeslive website, http://www.timeslive.co.za/politics/201 ... ain-fiasco

Premier in Gautrain 'fiasco'
SIPHO MASONDO | 16 August, 2011 01:043 Comments

Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane and former transport MEC Ignatius Jacobs should be held responsible for the costly delays of the opening of Gautrain's route between Rosebank and Park Station, says a former employee.

Former head of the Gauteng department of roads and transport Sibusiso Buthelezi approached Public Protector Thuli Madonsela on Friday to investigate the roles played by Mokonyane and Jacobs in the delays, which have been reported to have cost government a further R100-million.

The Gautrain made its maiden trip from Rosebank to Hatfield in Pretoria two weeks ago. However, the southward leg of the route, from Rosebank to Johannesburg's Park Station, was delayed indefinitely due to concerns over water seeping into the underground tunnel.

Buthelezi has asked Madonsela to also investigate how the Bombela Concession, the company contracted to build and operate the rapid rail system linking Johannesburg and Pretoria, was paid for work done on the tunnel when the water seepage problems existed.

Buthelezi was suspended in November 2009 after being charged with five counts of misconduct. These included that he allegedly transgressed the Public Finance Management Act and that he appointed a Gautrain Project Inspectorate without following procedure.

Buthelezi left the department with a R1.2-million payout after reaching an out-of-court settlement that saw the department drop charges against him.

Last year, Buthelezi asked Madonsela to investigate his suspension, saying it was politically motivated.

In his complaint on Friday, Buthelezi said the inspectorate would have been his department's "eyes and the ears".

"The Gautrain inspectorate would basically minimise the risk. For example, Bombela would invoice the department after completing a certain milestone such as completing the tunnel between Park Station and Rosebank. The inspectorate would do a sample by, for example, checking a portion of the tunnel and it would do a report and advise if it recommends payment or not," said Buthelezi.

He said Jacobs, who is now Gauteng planning commission head, recommended the inspectorate be disbanded in favour of an independent certifier, which was accountable to Bombela, finance institutions and the government, which meant it could not be independent.

The Gauteng department of roads and transport declined to comment and referred all queries to the Gautrain management, which could not be reached.

Mokonyane's spokesman, Xoli Mngambi, said they had not received a formal complaint and they will comment once they received correspondence from Madonsela's office.