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South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) recorded R3.3 billion irregular expenditure for the 2012/13 financial year, the entity’s Annual Report tabled in Parliament today, has revealed.

This is in addition to R2.09 billion irregular expenditure incurred during the 2011/12 financial year.

Details of the irregular expenditure in 2012/13 include:

• R2.4 billion through a procurement model for routine road maintenance projects without approval of the Minister of Finance and adherence to procurement regulations;
• R594.3 million expenditure on non-competitive bidding approved by Sanral’s Contracts Committee without notifying the Auditor-General; and
• R233.1 million on supplementary agreements for newly incorporated roads deviating from Supply Chain Management regulations.

Sanral has repeatedly demonstrated that it views itself above the public by forcing e-tolling in Gauteng despite widespread opposition. The entity has now demonstrated that it also believes that it does not have to adhere to financial mismanagement policies and legislation.

Sanral is not above the law and should be held accountable.

The DA will request that the Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Ruth Bhengu, summon Sanral’s Board Chairperson, Tembakazi Mnyaka, Sanral CEO, Nazir Alli, and Transport Minister, Dipuo Peters, to Parliament to explain this lack of financial and legal compliance. Any wrongdoing must be punished.

Good governance requires every step in awarding every contract to follow the letter of the law. Sanral should be no exception.