This is also to ensure that all recommendations are fully implemented.

The minister indicated that there is a lack of consequence management in the department and as a result, many officials implicated in fraud and corruption remain at work or are suspended with pay.

“I have directed advocate Motau and a team that he is going to be working with that l want all reports on fraud, corruption and irregular expenditure of the department and all water boards to be reviewed and all recommendations implemented. Officials and service providers involved in corruption must face the consequences,” Sisulu said in a statement.

She added that priority must be given to all allegations facing water boards and senior managers of the Department of Water and Sanitation.

“I received a report that more than R16 billion worth of projects has been issued irregularly, including blanket corruption and fraud by officials, to an extent of awarding tenders to themselves and close relatives. This will not happen on my watch,” Sisulu said.

Motau has been involved in a number of high-profile investigations, a recent one being the “Great Bank Heist”, which focused on corruption and looting at VBS Bank in Limpopo.

“We believe that advocate Motau has the necessary experience and will lead a team of professionals to make sure that in the water sector there is consequence management and value for money,” Sisulu said.

African News Agency (ANA)