By Bonginkosi Msezane
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Public Works, Martin Meyer, says their payments to contractors depend on the government receiving payments from those in charge of the project. “Before an entity is contracted we, as KZN Public Work and infrastructure, get approached by the client who tells us what they want us to build. This request then gets approved once all the requirements have been met, including that the client has the funds to cover the project” said Meyer.
This process has stalled a number of payments to contracts. Some have chosen not to continue with work contracted to them. Meyer says they’re working on fast-tracking things. “So, we undertook a process to engage all our clients, both private and public who were owing us to say to them let us find way to work together so that everyone can walk away freely. While we did this, we also issued letters to contractors on our database informing them of issues affecting their payments.” Meyer elaborated.
Several projects were halted due to non-payment and other issues. However, the department is working to unblock these projects and ensure their completion.
He says that there will be implementation of processes that exist on paper under the current coalition ser-up. “This achievement means that the Department of Public Work and Infrastructure will now be in position to settle payments within the 30 days period as stipulated Tresury,” he says.
