R6 million for empty Pretoria office

Over R6 million was paid for the IEC's old offices that stood empty between October 2010 and July 2011, Public Protector Thuli Madonsela has found.

 

"It is correct that an amount of R6,753,880.42 was paid in respect of the 260 Walker Street lease," said Madonsela.

 

"However, the said amount was refunded to the Independent Electoral Commission on 21 February 2012, without interest."

 

She said evidence indicated that the financial loss to the commission in terms of interest was, among other things, because of the absence of a termination clause in the lease agreement.

 

This could be described as "haphazard handling of the move, and possibly reckless use of public funds", the protector said.

 

Madonsela was releasing a report on an investigation into allegations of maladministration and corruption relating to the procurement of the Riverside Office Park to accommodate the head offices of the IEC.

 

-Sapa