”We categorically reject these claims” – Human Settlements HOD

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The Department of Human Settlements in Free State has come out with guns blazing refuting claims that it paid contractors in full without delivering work.

The claims circulating allege the department paid over R560 million for 200 houses built instead of 2000 as per the awarded tender.

The second allegation made is, another contractor was paid R63 million on the 17 November 2023 to complete Dark/Silver City Housing project but the contractor did not do anything.

The third and last allegation, is another contractor was paid R259 million on the 18 October 2023 to complete the Community Residential Units in Block G-Thabong but the project was never completed.

Attached to the text are pages of the contracts signed between the department and contractors but scrutiny of the same documents circulating show these are not payments but contracts terms.

In response, Mosa Masemene, head of department at Human Settlements said these accusations appear to be deliberate.

“These accusations are not only erroneous but also appear to be a deliberate attempt to distort facts, cast doubt on the department’s integrity, and mislead the public.”

Addressing the allegation that the department paid R560 million for 200 houses, Masemene said.

“This assertion is entirely inaccurate. For 2000 houses project, only R122 million has been paid to Vharanani thus far. Vharanani is actively in the middle of the construction phase, with work ongoing across multiple sites.

Payments have been made strictly according to progress, and any insinuation of a full payment without completed work is both misleading and malicious.”

With regards to payment of R60 million paid for Dark/Silver City with no work done, Masemene said.

“This claim is completely untrue. For Dark and Silver City Bottom Site, the department released R28 million to Ruwacon, following verification of substantial work progress as documented in our reports. This paymentis proportionate to the tasks completed and certified, demonstrating our commitment to accountability. The amount alleged on social media is baseless and exaggerated.”

Dealing with the allegation that her department paid R259 million, Masemene said.

“This allegation is patently false. To date, only R53 million has been disbursed to Raubex Building, strictly based on verified progress milestones. Each payment aligns with contract terms and reflects the work completed to date, as certified by our inspection teams.”

In conclusion, Masemene explained the checks and balances in place to ensure every payment is aligned with actual work.

“The department of Human Settlements follows a robust system of checks and balances for each project, every payment aligns with actual work completed.

Each contractor payment is verified against detailed progress reports, certified by project managers and independent auditors before any disbursement is approved.”

But where did this malicious allegation start?

WATCH:

If the entire Premier who has the authority to ask for reports from any Head of Department can believe such without an ounce of evidence, this province is in the pits.

What else has she been told and without asking for evidence, she believes?

The only department that has thus far paid a service provider for work not done is none other than Community Safety, Roads and Transport.

There is even a conviction for that matter where Devision Project was fined and charges against the owner, Reabetsoe Daniel Motsoeneng were withdrawn after plea bargain.

But, there is another contractor paid million while not work has been done in the same department Premier was MEC.

This is developing story.

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