Frustration is mounting among eThekwini Municipality plumbing contractors, who gathered outside the Municipality’s Pinetown offices on Friday morning, claiming they have still not been paid while raising fresh concerns over what they describe as an irregular new job allocation system.
The contractors allege that the Municipality has informally introduced new main contractors who are appointing plumbers “through the back door” without following the required procurement and appointment processes.
The gathering follows earlier concerns over outstanding payments, but the contractors say the latest developments threaten both their livelihoods and service delivery across the city.
Among the allegations raised by the contractors are that a municipal official who had been assisting them was removed from the office, leaving them without support. They also claimed that the official had been on two days’ sick leave before her removal. The contractors further accused municipal official Lungi Cele of providing misleading information during previous engagements.
According to the contractors, they are now being charged a 15% management fee, which they say is being deducted from their invoices despite assurances that the Municipality would cover the cost. They further allege they were told the new arrangement would run for between six and 12 months, whereas they believe the contracts are in fact for 36 months.
The contractors also raised serious allegations that unqualified plumbers are being used to carry out work on municipal infrastructure. They claim municipal bylaws require plumbers working on the City’s infrastructure to be trained, tested and certified by the Municipality.
In addition, the contractors alleged that the system is vulnerable to fraud, claiming that the names of deceased plumbers remain on the database and are allegedly being used to submit invoices. They further alleged that “ghost plumbers” have been created to siphon money from the Municipality.
The contractors said they remain united in their demands and will continue gathering until the Municipality responds to their concerns. They stressed that they would not damage any municipal infrastructure and are calling on the City to urgently engage with them and address the issues they have raised.
At the time of publication, eThekwini Municipality had not responded to the allegations. The Municipality’s comment will be published once received.
