City manager Musa Mbhele, right, has said the eThekwini Municipality's online invoicing system is here to stay despite opposition from contractors.
Image: File: eThekwini Municipality
The implementation of an online invoicing system by the eThekwini Municipality will not be halted, despite strong opposition from users.
City Manager Musa Mbhele has taken a firm stance on the issue, stating that the system was put in place to protect ratepayers' money and ensure that the City ensures payment for completed work.
The system is at the centre of a payment dispute after it has been blamed for delays in the payment of service providers, which have triggered protests. The Mercury understands that the challenges stem from the fact that service providers are not properly trained to use it.
The system is designed to simplify the payment process for service providers, allowing them to easily upload their invoices. If the invoice is submitted with all relevant documents, it is processed and paid within 30 days.
Mbhele said there has been fierce opposition to the system but stressed that it will not be discontinued. His strong stance comes as service providers embarked on illegal protests over non-payment, which has resulted in damage and sabotage of city infrastructure.
“The system will help service providers track payments and address instances of collusion where invoices do not reflect the work done on the ground. Part of the system includes uploading pictures that show the work completed before and after.
“Those who oppose the system do not want a level of regulation; all we want is to reduce the possibility of fraud and collusive behaviour while ensuring they receive their payments on time. Therefore, we are not going to stop the system.”
“On Tuesday, infrastructure was damaged, and the situation was horrendous. We will not allow this; people cannot force government programmes to be stopped. This is something we are prepared to endure; we are not going to halt the rollout of the programme as it has benefits and will protect the ratepayers' money.”
He added that the mobilisation of people to destroy municipal property will not be tolerated. He noted that during the first implementation in November, there was significant outcry and vandalism of infrastructure, and they decided to give service providers more time.
“We said we will half the rollout until April 1. Why did they (users) not use that time to ramp up?” he questioned.
Durban mayor Cyril Xaba said to date, 6,000 invoices worth R800 million have been uploaded and paid through the system, with approximately 1,037 in line to be paid and another 5,000 undergoing approval processes.
One of the contractors affected by the system pushed back against the statement by the city.
“I cannot speak on the allegations of sabotaging infrastructure; I know nothing about that. But with regard to this system, if it’s supposed to improve processes and help us, why are there so many people who have not been paid for so long?”
He said the system had been introduced in a backward manner. “When you introduce a new system, you start by training people, and when they are comfortable with it, you roll it out. What did they do? They introduced a system before they trained people.”
Xaba warned that those who vandalised property will face consequences, saying there is no justification for vandalising property if they are dissatisfied.
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