<\/p>\n
Water and sanitation contractors under the eThekwini Municipality picketed outside the department\u2019s office last Thursday, claiming that some of them have not been paid for several months.<\/p>\n
The affected contractors are responsible for essential services, including servicing sewerage systems and burst water pipes in areas such as KwaMashu, Phoenix and Newlands.<\/p>\n
Contractors previously picketed in November last year, after which they were paid. But in April, when payments were late again, they downed tools again.<\/p>\n
Read: SIU finds work paid for but not done on critical water infrastructure<\/p>\n
At the time, the municipality promised outstanding payments would be processed \u201cin the coming days\u201d and that it had introduced an online system to improve payment efficiency.<\/p>\n
But months later, some of the contractors claim they still have outstanding payments, some as much as R120 000. They say they are struggling to pay their staff and support their families.<\/p>\n
Shanil Dehal, director of Dehal Plumbing and Maintenance, said they had finally met with the acting director and deputy director.<\/p>\n
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\n\u201cThey made encouraging promises. My company has been doing work for the municipality for more than nine years,\u201d said Dehal.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Another contractor, who asked not to be named, said her company was paid in June, but she came to support those who are still waiting for payment.<\/p>\n
Problems mount after new contractor rules<\/strong><\/p>\n
Christopher Krisina said their problems escalated after the municipality required contractors to apply to become managing contractors.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost 500 companies applied, but only five were appointed. We have not been called to do any work for a very long time, and the municipality still owes us money.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were happy when the online invoice system was introduced, but it seems invoices are still not being processed properly,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Read: SA\u2019s reliance on water tank delivery has stopped pipes getting fixed<\/p>\n
Zakes Ndlovu, representing the plumbers, said many of the contractors have an issue with the five managing contractors.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThat is not happening. We are ready to work, but instead, they have chosen their cronies. If they do not respond by Monday at midday, we will continue our protest,\u201d said Ndlovu.<\/p>\n
Acting Water and Sanitation director Bavna Soni and deputy director Lungi Ngidi agreed to meet representatives chosen by the contractors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will try to resolve the payment issues and the other concerns raised,\u201d said Soni.<\/p>\n
Read:
Long-suffering Durban residents could wait years for end to water crisis
eThekwini\u2019s lost water crisis<\/p>\nMunicipal spokesperson Luthando Ngubani said the council needs to verify the names and details of the contractors who have not been paid. He declined to answer further questions on the matter.<\/p>\n
\u00a9 2026 GroundUp. This article was first published here.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
#Water #contractors #eThekwini #failed #pay<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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