Question NW456 to the Minister of Science and Technology
14 March 2016 - NW456
Lotriet, Prof A to ask the Minister of Science and Technology
1)Whether there is a project manager at the Nkowankowa Demonstration Centre (NDC)(Wolkberg Fruit Processors); if not, why not, is (who is the person and (b) when was the person appointed; 2) Whether the project manager of the NDC is being investigated; if so, (a) what is the focus of the investigation, (b) when will the investigation be concluded and (c) will a report be made available; 3) Whether there have been any civil cases involving the NDC since its inception, if so (a) what did they involve, (b) what was the outcome in each case and (c) did it have any financial implications for the NDC, if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1). There is an interim project management team at the Nkowankowa Demonstration Centre (NDC). The interim project management team is constituted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and a local Black farmer who has experience in running a mango processing factory. This interim arrangement is intended to maintain operations at the NDC until the completion of the ongoing investigation. (b) The interim management team was established in January 2016. The DST is responsible for all decisions relating to the NDC.
2) Yes. There is an ongoing investigation at the NDC and the project manager is under suspension, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of maladministration.(a) The focus of the investigation is on allegations of maladministration of the NDC. (b) It is expected that the investigation will be concluded at the end of April 2016. (c) A report will not be made available pending the finalisation of the investigation and/ or any proceedings related thereon as disclosure of the report may prejudice the investigation and subsequent proceedings thereon.
3) Yes. (a) There has been one civil case instituted by the local engineering company against the suspended project manager, for failure and/ or refusal by the project manager to pay for goods allegedly delivered to the NDC. (b) (c) The DST is not privy to the status of the matter in that it was not party to the proceedings and despite its attempts to resolve this matter amicably, the suspended project manager did not cooperate with the DST officials and the plaintiff’s attorneys to resolve this matter.