KZN Transport implements ‘invoice war room’ to tackle payment delays

KwaZulu-Natal Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, says a special ‘Invoice-Checking War Room’ will be introduced to tackle payment backlogs affecting contractors and service providers.

The department says it has paid R700-million to contractors as pressure mounted over delayed invoices.

On Monday, more than 200 contractors had an urgent meeting with the department where they raised their concerns over unpaid invoiced and stalled projects.

Duma said the delays were linked to technical glitches and cash flow constrains at the provincial treasury, that allegedly disrupted the payments meant for contractors.

However, KZN Treasury says the department entered the financial year with more than R2.5 billion in unpaid accruals and invoices.

Transport Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya says, “We are receiving calls from some contractors and service providers confirming that they have been paid as per MEC Siboniso Duma’s commitment in our last meeting held in Merebank. The head of the department, Zibusiso Dlamini met with the entire management as part of the implementation of the Merebank meeting resolutions.”

-Report by Gcinokuhle Malinga