A strike by plumbers contracted to the eThekwini Municipality Water and Sanitation (EWS) was averted.Outstanding invoices were paid on Sunday.
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A strike by plumbers contracted to the eThekwini Municipality Water and Sanitation (EWS) over non-payment of invoices was averted on Sunday.
During an Executive Committee (Exco) meeting on Tuesday, the municipality stated that an administrative problem was resolved and outstanding invoices were paid on Sunday.
Councillor Yogis Govender, DA eThekwini Exco member, said there were reports about a looming strike by contractors over unpaid invoices from October 2025.
“While the city claims a 98% timely payment rate, contractors have exposed these figures as misleading, citing delay tactics where legitimate, completed paperwork is left uncaptured for months. This has left small businesses unable to pay staff or fuel vehicles, forcing them to choose between bankruptcy and downing tools,” she said.
Based on oversight visits by DA councillors and reports from residents, Govender wanted leaks and bursts repaired within 24 hours.
“The municipality is currently losing an estimated 60% of its treated water to unattended leaks and pipe bursts, while residents report waiting for months for basic repairs such as leaking meters.”
She said water depots are reportedly operating at less than 50% capacity, with some estimates suggesting that the active plumbing complement is reportedly as low as 20% of what is needed to manage the city’s crumbling infrastructure.
“Complicit in this is the leadership, for repeated budgetary failures and administrative paralysis that prevents the timely processing of contractor invoices,” she said.
Ednick Msweli, executive director for the Technical Services Department in eThekwini, explained that there were no proper contracts with plumbers.
He said plumbers went through a procurement process and correspondence through two forums they created. Msweli said they met with plumbers regularly, and when required.
According to Msweli, issues with plumbers were addressed during a meeting on March 13, 2026.
He explained that the municipality pays plumbers within 30 days of receiving an invoice, adding that there were no outstanding invoices, and backlogs were dealt with in January 2026.
“We dealt with their frustrations, especially when the work was done and the date the invoice was submitted. Clarity was provided on this matter, and plumbers were advised accordingly. Initially, officials believed the maintenance budget was exhausted, but we found there was an administrative issue and that the money was available. We are working on a plan to insource plumbers,” he said.
eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said that the portfolio of evidence provided by plumbers is important for tracking work done and ensuring value for money.