Fear that fuel shortage might collapse services in Ekurhuleni
The Democratic Alliance reports that virtually all services have come to a standstill in the Ekurhuleni Metro, due to supplies of fuel and diesel running dry.
DA Shadow MMC for Roads and Transport Bill Rundle warned of the “deteriorating situation reaching crisis point months ago”.
“Besides the huge risk that this poses to residents who will not have access to emergency services or EMPD protection, rubbish is already piling high in Kempton Park, where there has been no refuse removal since last Tuesday,” said Rundle.
He added that metro staff confirmed that supplies have run out in Kempton Park, Edenvale and Bedfordview, and the only depot with stock is Boksburg.
“Further information has come to hand that the central depot, in Germiston, has now also run out of supplies,” Rundle added.
He said the matter has been ongoing since December 2013, and has been reported on extensively.
“The metro has denied that there is a problem, but it is public knowledge that the poor payment record of the metro has alienated many suppliers,” Rundle said, adding that the continued late payment of suppliers, which is in contravention of directives from the president, the MFMA and the National Treasury, appears to confirm that corrective measures have not been actioned by the metro.
“The essential services of law enforcement, waste removal and emergency services – including standby emergency services for water and electricity – which all require staff being transported to work areas, will no longer be possible,” Rundle pointed out.
“The newly appointed supplier has apparently refused to commence with deliveries unless the metro makes advance payments.”
He stated that the situation has come about due to bad planning and incompetence.
“Payment arrangements must be part of the supply agreement and be finalised before the awarding of the supply contract, and it is unacceptable that this becomes a bone of contention.
“The shoddy manner of appointing contract suppliers in Ekurhuleni continues unabated.
“While the MFMA may place restrictions on advance payments, a simple arrangement of a performance guarantee, arranged with the metro’s bankers, would ensure certainty of payment subject to compliance with the terms and conditions of the supply agreement.”
Rundle said that the safety, security and clean working and living environment for citizens guaranteed by the constitution is under threat.
“One may even liken the situation to that of economic sabotage,” he said.
Rundle suggested that mayor Mondli Gungubele, must step up to the plate, take corrective and urgent action and get rid of MMCs and managers who have caused such an unnecessary and precarious situation.
The metro denied owing any service provider for fuel, when contacted by the City Times.
Spokesman Themba Gadebe said: “What happened is that we have moved from the singular supplier of fuel and unbundled it to four suppliers. “The three suppliers have commenced working well with us except for one supplier who has been dealing with internal issues.”
