Contractors in KwaZulu-Natal have long struggled with delayed payments, stalled projects, and a lack of government support, but the provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure says it is now taking steps to resolve these issues.
The department hosted its first-ever Contractors’ Imbizo in Durban, bringing together industry professionals to voice their concerns and hear the government’s plans for improvement.
A History of Frustration
For years, contractors have faced systemic challenges, including late payments, project disruptions due to extortion, and poor communication from officials. These issues have not only strained businesses but also delayed critical infrastructure development in the province.
At one point, KwaZulu-Natal had accumulated nearly R900 million in unpaid invoices, while projects worth R250 million were halted due to extortion and bureaucratic delays.
Government Promises Reform
However, the Public Works Department insists that “it’s no longer business as usual.” Acting officials highlighted improvements in risk management, claiming they had increased compliance from 7% to 100% within a year.
The department also reported progress in meeting 30-day payment targets and establishing dedicated teams to address bottlenecks in procurement and project execution.
Contractors Raise Concerns
Despite these assurances, some contractors expressed skepticism. One attendee questioned the department’s procurement policies, particularly the requirement for references from only the past two years, arguing that it disregarded decades of experience.
A Step Toward Better Collaboration?
The imbizo provided a platform to discuss key issues, including supply chain inefficiencies, SARS compliance, and tender allocation processes. While some contractors remain cautious, others are hopeful that this engagement marks the beginning of a more productive relationship with the government.
For now, the department’s promises will be put to the test as contractors wait to see if long-standing grievances will finally be addressed.