President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed an amended proclamation widening the Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) probe into the Tsomo River Abstraction and Water Treatment Works in the Eastern Cape, the SIU said. The expanded mandate extends the period under investigation to cover January 2016 to August 2026 and targets procurement related to the project, News24 reported.
Why the probe has been broadened
The project was originally highlighted by the Auditor‑General after its scope reportedly increased about 30‑fold, with additional costs of R19.9 million and notable delays in execution, according to the reporting. The scheme was intended to supply clean water to thousands of households in the Chris Hani and Amathole district municipalities.
President Ramaphosa visited the site on 11 August 2023 before addressing an imbizo nearby. In November 2024 the Presidency authorised an SIU probe into procurement irregularities; the latest amendment broadens the time frame and areas to be examined after further SIU investigation indicated additional matters needed scrutiny, the SIU said.
This amendment broadens the SIU’s mandate to uncover wrongdoing over a longer period.
What the amended proclamation will examine
The SIU indicated the amendment will allow investigators to look at procurement of goods, works and services for the Tsomo project across the extended period. That scope is likely to include contracts, tender processes and payments related to delivery and construction.
- Procurement of goods, works or services for the Tsomo project between January 2016 and August 2026.
- Areas identified by SIU investigations not covered under the earlier proclamation.
- Any irregularities that may have caused cost increases or construction delays.
Local authorities and the Presidency
The Chris Hani District Municipality said it had not yet received the amended proclamation but committed to fully cooperating with any investigation, according to the report. The Presidency authorised the original SIU probe in 2024 and confirmed the expanded proclamation was signed last week.
The Tsomo water treatment plant has been described by the Presidency as a “cross‑boundary water supply project”, abstracting water from the Tsomo River and serving towns and rural settlements across two district municipalities. The project was positioned at the time as a vital intervention to improve access to potable water for thousands of households.
Timeline of key public developments
| Year / Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2016 | Start of period now covered by amended proclamation |
| 11 August 2023 | President Ramaphosa visited the Tsomo project |
| November 2024 | Presidency authorised SIU probe into procurement irregularities |
| August 2026 | New end date of the period under investigation |
| Undated (AGSA report) | Auditor‑General flagged 30‑fold scope increase and R19.9 million additional costs |
Implications for service delivery and oversight
Water projects in the Eastern Cape have long been under scrutiny because of persistent service delivery shortfalls. An SIU probe with a broadened mandate could identify contractors or officials involved in irregular procurement and recommend remedies, but it also raises questions about earlier oversight by provincial departments and the Auditor‑General.
For residents who were promised improved water supply, the investigation is a reminder that infrastructure projects require both proper planning and transparent procurement to succeed. If the SIU uncovers maladministration or corrupt conduct, prosecutions or administrative sanctions could follow; the SIU’s investigations have in other cases led to disciplinary action, recoveries and referrals for criminal investigation.
What to watch next
Key developments to monitor include whether the Chris Hani District Municipality receives the proclamation formally and the SIU’s announcement of specific investigation steps. Any statements or reports from the Auditor‑General, provincial departments responsible for infrastructure, and affected district municipalities will also be important to track.
The expanded investigation will test oversight mechanisms and the ability of national and provincial institutions to protect public funds earmarked for basic services. The TSomo project's trajectory — from a high‑profile presidential visit to a widened SIU probe — underscores the political and administrative stakes when infrastructure delivery falters.
