Western Cape government has allocated nearly R9-million to a forensic investigation unit to fight corruption in the province.
Over the medium-term expenditure framework, R8.6 million will be spent on strengthening the forensic investigation unit as follows: R2.7 million in the 2021/22 financial year; R2.8 million in 2022/23 and R3 million in 2023/24, reports IOL.
“There is instability being experienced in some of our municipalities and this has led to allegations of fraud, corruption and maladministration,” MEC Anton Bredell said. “The department conducted several assessments in relation to these allegations and to this end, the municipal forensic unit has been established.
In his provincial budget speech, Minister of Finances David Maynier said he allocated a total of R217.61 billion over the medium term in municipalities across the Western Cape.
“We will continue to work closely with vulnerable municipalities to manage risks and improve their financial stability,” Maynier said. “However, we will not hesitate to take action if there are allegations of corruption in municipalities in the Western Cape.”
This budget will be spent across five districts, and 30 municipalities, in the Western Cape as follows:
Over the medium term, we will spend:
• R24.95 billion in the Cape Winelands District;
• R10.77 billion in the West Coast District;
• R18.94 billion in the Garden Route District;
• R8.19 billion in the Overberg District;
• R3 billion in the Central Karoo District; and
• R151.76 billion in the City of Cape Town.
Committee chairperson Derrick America added: “The province must do what it can to oversee that every cent of taxpayer funds are for the benefit of residents.”
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