Minister must explain dodgy Alexkor asbestos tender
10 April 2022
Note to Editors: Please find attached soundbites by Ghaleb Cachalia MP and Veronica Van Dyk MP
The DA has written to the Minister for Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, regarding an asbestos removal contract in Alexander Bay and the Alexkor Richtersveld Mining Company Pooling and Sharing Joint Venture (PSJV) mining area, awarded to Babusisekile Business Enterprise CC in 2017 worth R51 million.
There seems to be a number of irregularities regarding the awarding and execution of the contract.
While the original service level agreement (SLA) was for three years, the project to remove asbestos and demolish old buildings and structures was reportedly concluded in October 2018 – only 16 months into the contract. However, the DA has seen communications and complaints to Alexkor that a large number of the sites that form part of the contract has yet to be serviced. The asbestos poses a severe health risk for the community.