26 Jan 2021

Vukwi residents in the North East District have instructed their VDC to return a sum of P14 607 that was channeled towards the purchase of office furniture.

Expressing their views during a kgotla meeting, residents complained that VDC withdrew P30 000 from the committee  account last year, without consulting residents.

They stated that it was not procedural for VDC to perform such a large transaction without first presenting the purpose of the funds to residents.

The residents questioned why the committee withdrew P30 000 in the first place instead of P14 607, which was the total price for the furniture. They noted that such a withdrawal was an indication that VDC failed to follow procedure and request for quotations.

Vukwi residents unanimously agreed that the furniture be returned to the supplier; so that the community funds would be paid back.

They further noted that those funds were raised by the community through donations from every household and a sponsored walk was held to augment the funds meant for the construction of a clinic.

Moreover, the people held the view that it was unethical for VDC to have used funds raised by the community to buy furniture instead of channelling the funds towards the revival of the village borehole as per the agreement by the residents.

VDC vice chairperson, Ms Portia Tubutubu acknowledged that it was an oversight for the committee to purchase furniture without consulting residents.

She stated that VDC purchased 10 chairs for committee members, a table, a fridge and four VIP chairs.

Ms Tubutubu highlighted that of the P30 000 withdrawn; only P14 607 was used to purchase the furniture and the remaining amount was deposited back into the VDC account.

The vice chairperson indicated withdrawing an extra amount was to ensure that they had adequate funds as quotations ranged between P20 000 to P23 000.

She further said following the delivery of a caravan at the clinic, VDC thought it would be ideal to channel the funds that were initially meant for the construction of a clinic to other necessities such as furniture.

Ms Tubutubu said VDC would return the goods to the shop in order to get the money back.

However, she said the task  would be an uphill undertaking as the supplier might refuse to take back the goods.

She stated that as VDC, they would call a meeting with residents to give them an update on whether they were successful or not and map a way forward.

The principal community development officer in the North East District Council, Mr Sethomo Rankwae said the mandate of VDC was to mobilise the community to find projects towards the development of the village, hence it was imperative to consult residents on every project.

Mr Rankwae highlighted that eventhough the purchase of the furniture was intended for the development of Vukwi, VDC failed dismally on consulting the people.

He stated that the community had the right to express their disapproval when VDC acted out of their interest, more so that the funds were raised for a clinic and a borehole.

However, Mr Rankwae noted that he did not see a reason why the furniture should be returned to the shop because it contributed towards the village development.

He indicated that the incident  should be a lesson for all stakeholders to follow procedure at all times. ENDS