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The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber says the concerns of business and civil society have been vindicated at the news that Finance Minister, Nhlanhla Nene’s department will launch a full-scale investigation into Nelson Mandela Bay’s stalled Integrated Public Transport System.
The Chamber's CEO, Kevin Hustler, says millions have been sunk into this project since 2010, with absolutely no tangible benefit to the people of Nelson Mandela Bay.
He says to continue in this manner is dysfunctional, untenable and unsustainable.
Hustler says the concerns of the Business Chamber, along with its partners in the Civil Society Coalition, were raised at the highest levels during 2014, including during face-to-face engagements with President Jacob Zuma and Minister Nene in Pretoria, the Nelson Mandela Bay City Manager, and in person with the Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela.
He says punitive and remedial action is urgently needed to bring confidence to both business and communities, as both have been financially abused by the lack of a firm hand on spending and apparent widespread corruption.
The National Treasury and Deloitte indicated that they would conduct a 100% audit of expenditure on the IPTS.
