MEYERTON. – The United Midvaal EME’s Association & Greater Vaal arranged recently held a protest at the Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) in a plight to raise concerns regarding the alleged bad treatment of local contractors in awarding tenders.
According to the Chairperson of the Forum, Steven Dhlomo, The MLM had in the past awarded tenders to contractors outside Midvaal Local Municipality, while locals did not benefit.
“Midvaal started to award tenders to contractors from other provinces such as Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo and contractors from Pretoria.
Dhlomo alleged that no consideration or feedback was received from Midvaal on why local contractors are excluded from tenders and not receiving any work from Midvaal.
Piet Guest, the Vice Chairperson of the Forum while reading the memorandum that was handed over to the municipality mentioned some of the points as unfair tender requirements, no empowerment program for local EMEs and tender documents being written in way that exempts local EMEs from attaining work.
Mr Simphiwe Tyala, the General Secretary of the Forum cited that they would like clear communication on why they are not considered for receiving work from MLM.
“Many of these contractors have served Midvaal over the years with quality projects using local resources and ploughing back into the community.
We feel that we cannot be “Proudly Midvaal” if this situation continues.
The Forum also plans to address the injustice and corruptive practices to Lesedi, Emfuleni and Sedibeng. In his response to the memorandum, MLM’s Municipal Manager Anton Groenewald said the municipality takes pride in transparent procurement processes with the primary objective to appoint suitable and qualifying service providers.
He further stated that the MLM had adopted a preferential policy designed to empower and give preference to local companies.
“We want to clarify that we advertise our tenders openly. As a municipality we believe that our tender processes allow emerging entities to access higher grade projects within the limits set by CIBD regulations.”
Groenewald said the municipality would empower residents and businesses by inviting SMME’s to a workshop where they will be guided on how to participate in the tendering process.
Groenewald said matters pertaining to alleged acts of corruption are handled with utmost care and investigations are conducted to ensure the highest level of transparency and accountability.
