Medupi contracts – a well kept secret?

On 18 November 2013, Eskom undertook to ensure that contractors would begin compiling the requested contracts. “It is almost two months since this under-
taking was made but no communication has been received to that effect,” Michael said in a statement this week.
“I will write to the Minister of Public Enterprises, Malusi Gigaba, requesting that he commit Eskom to a definitive deadline for the delivery of the contractual agreements,” she added.
The DA first requested the contracts in August 2013, after deadlines for the
delivery of the Medupi project were shifted three times in less than a year and a half, allegedly as a result of a sub-contractor connected to the ANC-linked Hitachi Power Africa. The DA learnt this from both Eskom and Hitachi officials at an investigative oversight visit to Eskom’s Medupi Power Station in Limpopo in July 2013. 
Michael is adamant that the agreements between contractors and Eskom must be scrutinised to determine whether any strict controls were put in place to ensure that parties meet their deadlines and what action can be taken against the contractors for failure to do so. According to Michael,
Minister Malusi Gigaba made several promises including that “heads would roll” should any further delays occur. “He has failed to deliver on this promise and progress at the power station remains slow.” 
“The delay in the delivery of these contracts is questionable. Eskom – as the national energy supplier – should be able to conduct its affairs in the public domain and remain accountable to South Africa. The strain on our national energy grid could have been avoided if stringent punitive measures were put in place for offending contractors and enforced.”
Michael warned that the DA would continue to push until the documents are delivered. “It is imperative that all contracts related to Medupi be made public as the continuous delays in the completion of construction at Medupi could have ramifications in Eskom’s ability to provide electricity to the country,” she added.
Eskom spokesperson, Hillary Joffe could not be reached for comment.