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By PHEPHILE MOTAU | 2024-03-05
Members of Parliament (MPs) have once again tried to blow the whistle on rampant corruption and looting at the International Convention Centre and Five Star Hotel (ICC &FISH), leading to the ballooning of the project cost.
The issue was raised during the portfolio committee budget debates of both the ministry of finance and the ministry of economic planning.
Lobamba MP Michael Masilela yesterday made sensational allegations on the level of corruption at the project, revealing that workers were stealing items meant for the project and selling it around cheaply.
He said a house had been built from proceeds of the project, and no one was lifting a finger.
The MP alleged that taps being stolen were worth about E25 000, which had raised concerns from some of the workers that this project would never be completed, because people were making a living through stealing from it.
“It is not only there; it is everywhere. People are stealing,” Masilela said.
To substantiate his claim, the MP offered to show the minister of finance a house which had been completed using material stolen from the ICC&FISH. Masilela said he had reported this to the ministry of economic planning where he was told the directors who were stealing had been changed.
“That this project cost had now gone up to E8 billion is baffling,” he said, questioning the high expenditure of the project.
The MP argued that the money being spent on the project would benefit other parastatals like the University of Eswatini, which were struggling financially.
He then complained that ‘small fish were being arrested and the big fish were roaming around’ in the country, further alleging that rented cars were servicing as public transport.
He said in the country, the moment one started talking, they were in trouble.
“When you talk, they will say you are fighting with His Majesty the King. That is not it. His Majesty is not here at the moment, they are stealing taps worth E25 000,” Masilela said.
He further said they should stick to prices that are given out at tenders and it was among themselves to stop it. He said the mice were eating the bags, forgetting about the money inside.
The MP also raised the same allegation during the ministry of economic planning debate where he was supported by other MPs. He said he wished the building was completed as people from his constituency were looking forward to getting employment opportunities.
“I reported that a truck enters the area carrying cement, and a gate pass is made for it in the same place,” he said.
Masilela said those who complained were fired. He said when he asked the PS about the allegations, he was informed that the contractor had responded by saying that they did not suffer in terms of finances.
“But again, you want more money?” he asked, adding that since 2013, they were being told that the project was nearing completion.
concerns
“I don’t have a problem with your budget and performance report, but anything that concerns ICC. MPs, may we please work together and work for His Majesty,” he said.
He said he was building his house and people were offering the taps from the project to him.
Masilela said those who worked at the project were moved to other areas and disciplinary steps were taken, but the country’s money was finished, yet no one was being arrested. He called for the budget allocation to be on Head 60, until they are allowed to go and investigate the corruption.
“Let us go and appraise ourselves about the project and not give out any money because we just want it to be completed,” he said. The Deputy Speaker Madala Mhlanga wanted to know if the project would be completed in the next financial year.
Nhlambeni MP Manzi Zwane also spoke strongly on the issue, calling for a forensic investigation to be conducted. Zwane said even last year, they said it was the last year for the project and that the ICC would be completed and only FISH would remain incomplete.
“This year you are looking for more money,” he said.
Zwane said they asked for the operator and they were still unknown, which is something they spent the better part of the year talking about. The MP said they also asked for a forensic audit as it was impossible for a project to start off costing about E400 million, then escalate to E8 billion.
“This is a first in the whole world,” he said. MP Zwane said this year if there is no forensic audit, he would not be part of those who would pass the budget.
“I can even be the only one. We need to see what the money belonging to Emaswati is being spent on,” he said.
He said they also heard things were getting lost. He told the minister that Emaswati were asking when the project would be complete.
Sigwe MP David Ngcamphalala also called for the completion of the project. He said when you passed by the area, it looked like a home which was no longer habitable (tindzala), yet the country was spending more money on it.
“The money we are giving you now, we will push you to ensure this is the last year. We have heard there is a big conference coming. If we release the money, the project should be completed,” he said.
The issue was also addressed by Sithobelweni MP Masiphula Mamba who wanted assurance that the project would be completed by this time next year. He asked if the projects that the government embarked on had completion targets.
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