DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA — Amid claims of financial recovery, the eThekwini Municipality is addressing a growing controversy over unpaid invoices from contractors. Water and sanitation contractors have taken to the streets, staging a protest outside the municipality’s Pinetown depot to highlight their grievances over unpaid bills that have accumulated over several months.
The contractors, responsible for critical services such as the maintenance of the sewerage system and repairs of burst water pipes, assert that they are owed substantial sums, totaling hundreds of thousands of rands. Despite Mayor Cyril Xaba’s assertions that all outstanding payments, including those for plumbing contractors, have been resolved, contractors argue that this is not the case. During a municipal briefing, Mayor Xaba acknowledged the challenges in the municipality’s relationship with service providers, particularly due to the implementation of a new management system.
He cited ongoing training and support to improve invoice approval and payment processes.
However, the contractors argue that they have not received adequate training on the new system and are often kept in the dark about decisions affecting their work.
The situation has led to frustration and claims of political favoritism, with contractors alleging that new plumbing service providers have been appointed without resolving issues with existing contractors. Lwazi Mdladla, a service provider, emphasized the need for better communication and inclusion of contractors in discussions that impact their work.
The eThekwini Municipality maintains that修复与承包商的关系对于改善服务交付至关重要。 As negotiations continue, the unresolved payment dispute carries significant implications for the delivery of essential services and the financial stability of the contractors involved in the region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: enca
Source: Nokuthula Khanyile
