The Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has come under fire for allegedly contravening the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) by making an upfront payment to a contractor for road construction work in Lynwood before the project even began in December 2023.
The project, intended to upgrade roads in Pretoria East, has since stalled, leaving behind unfinished trenches and hazardous conditions for motorists and local businesses. Residents and subcontractors claim they have been left in the lurch after the main contractor allegedly received payment without completing the work.
Work Stalled, Businesses Suffer
According to reports, construction abruptly halted, leaving deep ditches uncovered and posing risks to drivers. Local businesses have also been affected, with some reporting a decline in customers due to the poor state of the road.
DA Tshwane Finance Spokesperson, Jackie Asa, revealed that a consulting engineer confirmed an irregular payment was made in December 2023 for work that had not been completed.
“In local government, work can only be paid for once it has been completed,” Asa stated. “Now, subcontractors and EPWP workers haven’t been paid for months, forcing them to stop work.”
City Denies Upfront Payment, But Questions Remain
While the city disputes claims of an upfront payment, Asa pointed out that work continued this year despite no further payments being due—raising suspicions that funds were disbursed prematurely.
“The only logical answer is that money was paid upfront, yet the work was not completed, which is against regulations,” she said.
Calls for Accountability
The DA has demanded consequence management, including an investigation into who authorized the payment. Asa urged affected workers and businesses to come forward so the party can pressure the city to rectify the situation.
“The community has suffered long enough,” she said. “We will ensure those responsible face consequences.”
As the controversy unfolds, residents and businesses remain frustrated, with no clear timeline for when—or if—construction will resume.
