Contractors delaying KZN road projects face the axe

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07-05-2025
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The Witness
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The department has set firm deadlines for contractors nearing completion, warning that failure to meet new timelines will result in the termination of their contracts.

The KZN Transport Department has pledged to crack down on contractors failing to fulfill their obligations, with MEC Siboniso Duma announcing a stringent approach to those stalling or abandoning projects across the province.

Currently, the department is managing 39 active construction projects and 44 rehabilitation/resealing projects.

However, Duma revealed that 30 contractors, ranging from grades 6 to 9, are falling behind on capital projects, resulting in delays costing the province R4.6 billion. 

Some projects have been abandoned, while others have not even begun, despite contractors being awarded the work.

Duma expressed disappointment, saying that many of these contractors, despite holding higher grading and being deemed capable, have either experienced cash flow issues, lacked resources, or failed to manage the scope of work properly.

Even some long-established contractors with years of experience are among those failing to deliver on time, causing widespread concern.

These contractors are taking on too many projects at once. When one project suffers, it impacts the others, creating a domino effect.

He said that some contractors lacked necessary equipment, such as a yellow fleet, and stressed that no single contractor should dominate the department’s work.

In response, the department has set firm deadlines for contractors nearing completion, warning that failure to meet new timelines will result in the termination of their contracts.

Those contractors found unable to finish their projects will be blacklisted from working with the department for up to 10 years, and legal steps will be taken to recover any lost funds.

Duma said that the department is strengthening its supply chain management process, with a more rigorous vetting process for contractors to ensure they have the required capacity.

Additionally, the department has committed to greater transparency by planning to account publicly for the delays in the legislature and other relevant committees, including SCOPA and the Portfolio Committee on Transport.

By presenting this information, we are adhering to key Batho Pele principles such as openness, transparency, and equal access to public services.

While the department refrained from naming the contractors involved due to ongoing legal processes, Duma acknowledged the contractors excelling in their work and pledged to publicly recognise their contributions at the appropriate time.