By Celani Sikhakhane
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works has suspended two senior officials over allegations of corruption in a R79-million project to remove dangerous asbestos from four northern hospitals.
The officials were suspended on 25 October after a tip-off about their suspected involvement in fraud in a project to remove asbestos from hospital roofs.
Public Works spokesperson Steve Bhengu said the department acted quickly on the warning.
He said reports brought to the department’s attention on 17 October were immediately referred to MEC Martin Meyer for investigation.
“After nine days of a detailed assessment, the head of department on 25 October placed the two senior officials on a precautionary suspension pending a full investigation.”
Investigators will check how the money was spent and if the work matched the bills submitted.
The scandal comes as health workers complain about poor hospital conditions, including leaking roofs.
Rural hospitals suffer the most, with dangerous conditions forcing many doctors and health workers to leave for city jobs or private hospitals.
Pictured above: MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure Martin Meyer suspended senior officials on suspicion of fraud in R79-million asbestos-removal project.
Source: X
