UThukela District Municipality officials acted swiftly after receiving a tip-off from an unknown source that a water tanker belonging to the municipality has been withheld by a known panel beater due to non-payment of services after being brought in for repairs four years ago.
The uThukela team, which comprised uThukela District Chairperson for Water and Sanitation and Technical Services, Councillor MM Khoza, Councillor SV Shabalala, Manager in the Office of the Mayor, Mr OS Mnguni, and Superintendent Mr M Hlatshwayo, were briefed on the status of the truck upon arrival. It was said that the repairs for which the tanker was brought in were done and after invoicing uThukela, to date the outstanding amount hasn’t been paid, resulting in the tanker being withheld for the past four years. According to the service provider, the water tanker is relatively new and the repairs range from the linings to brake pads which will be dealt with now that an amicable agreement has been reached between both parties. The tanker was due for its annual motor vehicle licence renewal, hence the need to check and replace the brake pads.
After discussions, it was resolved that the service provider will furnish the municipality with a total of the outstanding amount and upon receiving payment from the municipality, the truck would then be made available. “UThukela District would like to express gratitude to whistle blowers and further urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report issues such as these which hinder the processes of service delivery to our people. We have an open door policy and we are committed in ensuring that our people receive what is due to them, which is water and sanitation,” said Cllr Khoza.
