Public Protector must investigate Johannesburg smart meter tender
The Public Protector's office should immediately launch an investigation into the awarding of Johannesburg's R1.25 billion smart meter contract to the Edison Corporation.
The Mail & Guardian today reported extensively on irregularities with the awarding of this tender. There are a number of reported irregularities in the tender process that are of particular concern.
First, the value of the tender was reportedly increased from R800 million to R1.25 billion after it was awarded to Edison. City Power has not provided an explanation for this increase.
Second, the tender was reportedly initially supposed to be split between two bidders. Later it was decided that Edison would receive the entire tender on its own. City Power has not provided a credible explanation for this change.
Third, the Mail & Guardian alleges that Edison did not receive the highest score on either the first or second round of bid scoring, but that Edison was chosen only after scores were adjusted on the instruction of City Power managing director, Sicelo Xulu.