KZN Public Works cracks down on negligent contractors

KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Public Works has resolved to tackle the persistent issues of poor performance among contractors by enforcing stricter measures against negligent contractors.

As a show of their intent, the department had six contractors were blacklisted recently and warned others that if they saw the department as a means to make a quick buck,  they must be prepared for their fate to be cemented with accountability.

The decision comes in light of alarming reports of inadequate human resources, poor workmanship, and instances of contractors abandoning job sites mid-project.

The impact of these failures have proven costly, draining departmental funds and leading to project delays as new contractors must be brought in to complete unfinished work.

Steve Bhengu, the department's spokesperson addressed media about the ramifications of such negligence, which has cost the province hundreds of millions of rand.

He stated that the reliance on new contractors created a cascading financial burden on the department, further exacerbating the situation.

“Some contractors knowingly accept projects despite their shortcomings and incapacity,” Bhengu stated.

“This pattern reveals a troubling attitude towards accountability, as many operate under the assumption that there will be no repercussions for their actions.”

Adding to this sentiment, MEC Martin Meyer condemned the behaviour of these “dodgy contractors,” strongly asserting that the days of delivering shoddy work and evading consequences were numbered.

“This was their modus operandi from project to project. In several instances, contractors bid for jobs only to subcontract the entire workload,” Meyer warned.

In an effort to ensure accountability, the KZN Public Works Department will invoke section 23.4 of the Provincial Finance Management Act (PFMA), paving the way for blacklisted contractors to appeal the decision.

Bhengu explained that this process aimed to maintain fairness, permitting contractors a chance to justify why restrictions should not be implemented against them.

“Contractors are important players in our economy, and we consider them our equals. We are prepared to assist them wherever possible,” Bhengu continued.

The Department has acknowledged the commitment of those contractors who have met standards and served the public faithfully. To strengthen relationships with compliant contractors, they have initiated the Contractors Imbizo roadshow, facilitating direct engagement across KZN.

This initiative also provides contractors with valuable resources in finance, taxes, and registration compliance.

The current blacklist could expand as the department tightened its grip on contractor quality standards, which will subsequently prohibit these companies from engaging in any business with provincial departments in the future.

DAILY NEWS