To protect the integrity of its register of contractors, the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has enlisted the help of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe persistent allegations of fraud and corruption within the organisation.

The SIU on April 15 obtained a Presidential Proclamation strengthening its authority to carry out investigations into various claims, with the probe to start immediately.

The proclamation empowered the SIU to probe allegations of improper and unlawful conduct by officials of the CIDB, as well as unlawful or improper conduct by any person, which had caused or may cause serious harm to the interests of the public, dating back to January 2006.

CIDB chairperson Lufuno Nevhutalu welcomed the SIU investigation, saying it would be a significant step towards cleaning up the organisation should any wrongdoing be found.

He added that the CIDB board had a duty to act in the best interests of the industry and the public and that impropriety on the part of staff, whether perceived or real, only detracted focus from the challenges facing the development of the construction industry and the mandate of the CIDB.

CIDB acting CEO Hlengiwe Khumalo said the register of contractors played a critical role as a macro-risk management tool for public sector clients procuring construction goods and services, adding that persistent allegations of fraud and corruption within the CIDB undermined industry and public confidence in this role.

“The CIDB will do everything in its power to cooperate with the investigation and drastic measures will follow against any employees found to be implicated,” she said.

However, she assured clients and the industry of the reliability of the register of contractors, saying that the sporadic allegations of fraud and corruption cases, though unfortunate, should not cast doubt on the capability of contractors registered with the CIDB.

The CIDB registers and grades contractors according to capability to carry out construction projects based on financial capability and track record. Public sector clients are compelled to only award construction contracts to CIDB registered contractors.