Question NW3187 to the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

(1)Whether a cost-benefit analysis was conducted on the installation of smart electricity meters in the City of Tshwane by a certain company (name furnished) and/or any of its subsidiaries; if not, why not; if so, did the specified analysis indicate financial threats or challenges arising from the proposal; (2) (a) what are the cost implications of the withdrawal by the municipality from the specified contract and (b) what amount (i) has been spent on this contract to date and (ii) is anticipated to be spent in terms of future costs associated with the specified contract; (3) whether (a) he, (b) his department or (c) the National Treasury issued any advice with regard to the specified contract; if so, (i) what was the nature of the advice and (ii) did the municipality followed the advice given; (4) whether he will instruct or advise the municipality and/or the municipal council to take any action against the mayor and/or the municipal manager of Tshwane to (a) recover the funds which have been spent to date and (b) initiate the necessary disciplinary action in this regard; if not, what steps will he take to minimise such expenditure in future; if so, what are the relevant details?