The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport has revealed it has lost R4.6 billion due to contractors failing to deliver on infrastructure projects across the province.
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma disclosed during a media briefing on Tuesday that 30 contractors have defaulted on their allocated projects, with two already suspended. Alarmingly, some companies awarded tenders were either unregistered or had previously been suspended for non-compliance.
“The scale of the backlog in infrastructure projects is staggering and continues to cripple the department,” Duma said. “Out of 944 active construction projects, many are stalled due to underperformance.”
In response, the department is developing a digital project-tracking tool to improve oversight and accountability. MEC Duma warned that contractors who fail to meet revised deadlines will have their contracts terminated.
“We are committed to ensuring taxpayer money is used effectively. Those who compromise service delivery will face consequences,” he added.
The department’s clampdown aims to restore integrity and progress in infrastructure delivery across KZN.