A GROUP group of independent contractors is taking the eThekwini Municipality to task for what they allege are unfair procurement processes.
In a memorandum signed by over 200 contractors they said there is a lack of transparency from the city in the awarding of contract work.
The contractors said they have been doing plumbing and other maintenance work for the city’s Water and Sanitation department but that work hasdried up recently.
Sandile Ndlovu, leader of the contractors, said he has worked with the city for over a decade.
Ndlovu said they were trained by the city and have been getting plumbing work in their respective communities.
Ndlovu said that work has dissipated recently, with reports that the city has hired a new company to take over the Water and Sanitation contracts.
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“Since the beginning of the year we have not been getting work and we were told there was a budget problem so we understood because there was a mayoral change,” said Ndlovu. “After the passing of the new budget in July, we heard rumours there was going to be another company that we were going to fall under instead of being independent.”
Msawakhe Mayisela, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said all contracts issued by the city’s Water and Sanitation department were above boardand followed all procurement protocols. “We encourage those who have reason to believe that unfair practice were at play in the awarding of a tender to report the matter to CityIntergrity and Investigations Unit,” he said.
Ndlovu said they were requesting a meeting with the city mayor before they go on on a protest.
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