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Service delivery and financial management form an essential part of any Municipality’s duties. However, non-payment by the uThukela District Municipality has seen a panel beater withhold the government entity’s water truck for a jaw-dropping four years.
The Municipality’s Communications Unit explains that an anonymous source notified the District Municipality that a water tanker belonging to the municipality was being withheld by a panel beater due to non-payment of services. This was after the vehicle had been brought in for repairs four years prior.
“The water truck had apparently been brought in for repairs ranging from linings to brake pads respectively, as it was due for its annual motor vehicle license renewal,” the Communications Department explains.
The municipality uncovered that the repairs were completed, and the government entity was subsequently invoiced. But to date, the outstanding amount has not been paid. This, in turn, resulted in the truck being withheld for the past four years.
Reflecting on the matter, the uThukela District’s Municipality Communications highlights, “The water truck is relatively new, with minor strips of which would be dealt with, once an amicable agreement has been reached between both parties, according to the service provider.”
Moreover, after discussions, it was resolved that the service provider will furnish the municipality with a total of the outstanding amount, which upon receiving it, the truck will then be made readily available, as it currently appeared to have minor strips and possibly not roadworthy at the present moment.
As the municipality now addresses the issue, uThukela District expresses its gratitude to whistleblowers, further urging the public to remain vigilant and report issues that hinder the service delivery processes to the community.
“We have an open-door policy and we are committed to ensuring that our people receive what is due to them, which is water and sanitation,” remarked Cllr Khoza.
The Communications Unit concludes that the leadership of uThukela District Municipality is working tirelessly to improve the quality of life, aiming to provide sustainable and effective water and sanitation-related services to the community.
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