The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) has launched an urgent investigation into KwaZulu-Natal’s construction sector after revelations that several top-graded contractors have failed to deliver on major infrastructure projects costing the province an estimated R4.6 billion.
Transport MEC Siboniso Duma has alleged that some companies may have fraudulently obtained high-level grading certificates, enabling them to win large tenders despite lacking the capacity to complete the work.
CIDB CEO Bongani Dladla confirmed that the board is now probing both the allegations and the broader procurement process.
“The KZN Department of Transport has raised concerns that some highly graded contractors may have bought their gradings. We are investigating to determine whether there was any foul play in the registration process,” Dladla said.
He added that the CIDB will not hesitate to deregister contractors found to have acted unlawfully. The probe will also examine how tenders were awarded and assess the performance of government clients, consultants, and contractors involved in the failed projects.
The findings are expected to have major implications for accountability and oversight in the province’s construction sector.