DURBAN - The eThekwini Municipality says its financial position is steadily improving, assuring residents that progress is being made to address long-standing service delivery challenges, including persistent water losses.
But while the City paints a positive picture, some contractors responsible for delivering those services argue that they are being left unpaid and sidelined.
Speaking during a municipal briefing, Mayor Cyril Xaba highlighted what he described as signs of financial recovery.
He pointed to the city's improved credit outlook, a 94 percent revenue collection rate, and increased spending on infrastructure as evidence that the municipality is on a stronger financial footing.
However, the mayor also acknowledged that the municipality's relationship with some service providers has deteriorated.
He said the rollout of a new management system had initially experienced challenges as both staff and suppliers adjusted to new processes.
According to Xaba, ongoing training and support have improved the speed of invoice approvals and payments.
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He added that discussions with former contractors are continuing, revealing that the city met with them last week and planned a follow-up meeting to address concerns, including issues around the municipality's new contracting model.
Despite those assurances, frustration among contractors remains high.
Unpaid water and sanitation contractors recently staged a protest outside the municipality's Pinetown depot, accusing the city of using the new management system to exclude them.
They also allege political favouritism, claiming new plumbing service providers have been appointed before outstanding issues with existing contractors have been resolved.
Service provider Lwazi Mdladla said the biggest concern is the municipality's lack of communication.
He argues that contractors were never properly trained on the new system and are often forced to learn about decisions affecting them through media reports instead of direct engagement.
Mdladla said contractors should be included in discussions that directly impact their work so that their concerns and frustrations can be heard.
The municipality maintains that repairing its relationship with contractors is essential to improving service delivery.
- Watch video for full report by Nokwazi Qumbisa