Johannesburg Water blames city funding delay for outstanding Riverside View payments
Concerns over unpaid workers at the Riverside View project continue, with Johannesburg Water confirming a delayed contractor payment, but claims ignorance over claims that security staff have gone unpaid for months.
Johannesburg Water has acknowledged delays in paying a contractor working on the Riverside View infrastructure project, but says it cannot verify claims that security personnel have gone unpaid for nearly four months.
The entity confirmed it is aware of the allegations involving security guards at the project. Nombuso Shabalala, Johannesburg Water spokesperson, said the utility had requested information from the contractor regarding the allegations, and was awaiting a response.
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“The contractor, Komanani, submitted an invoice for work completed in April 2026, which was due for payment at the end of May 2026.
While this payment is currently overdue, Johannesburg Water cannot confirm claims that security personnel have gone unpaid for four months, as this is a contractual matter between the contractor and its appointed security service provider.”
Shabalala did, however, confirmed that payment to the contractor has been delayed. “The delay is a result of Johannesburg Water awaiting the transfer of funds from the City of Johannesburg. Once the funds are received, the payment will be prioritised.”
The utility said it has been in regular contact with both the contractor and the project’s community liaison officer regarding the outstanding payment.
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“As the workers are employed by the contractor, or its subcontractors, it is the contractor’s responsibility to communicate directly with its employees and service providers regarding payment matters. [We are] unable to provide a specific date for payment, as this is dependent on the transfer of funds from the City of Johannesburg.
“Johannesburg Water has also requested information from the contractor regarding any outstanding payments owed to small, medium, and micro enterprises and subcontractors since the commencement of the project. The contractor is still to submit records and proof of payments.”
At the time of publication, Johannesburg Water said it was still awaiting the requested information from the contractor.
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