THE metro denied owing any service provider for fuel.
“What happened, is that we have moved from a singular supplier of fuel to four suppliers. Three suppliers have commenced working well with us, except for one supplier who has been dealing with internal issues,” a metro spokesman said on Friday.
“In the interim, Edenvale, Bedfordview and Germiston have placed their orders with the three other suppliers. Vehicles in those areas can go to any depot in the city to fill up. The situation has not compromised service delivery at all,” the spokesman said.
Earlier today the DA said virtually all services have come to a standstill in Ekurhuleni Metro due to supplies of fuel and diesel running dry.
Besides the huge risk that this poses to residents who will not have access to emergency services or metro police protection, rubbish is already piling high in Kempton Park where there has been no refuse removal since Tuesday.
DA Shadow MMC for Roads and Transport, Clr Bill Rundle, warned of the deteriorating situation reaching crisis point months ago.
“Metro staff confirmed that supplies have run out in Kempton Park, Edenvale and Bedfordview and the only depot with stock was Boksburg. Further information has come to hand that the central depot in Germiston has now also run out of supplies,” Rundle said today.
“The matter has been on-going from December 2013 and 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. The continued late payment of suppliers, which is in contravention of directives from no less than the President, the MFMA and the National Treasury, appears to confirm that corrective measures have not been actioned by the metro,” Rundle said.
“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. The newly appointed supplier has apparently refused to commence with deliveries unless the metro makes advance payments.
“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. It is unacceptable that this becomes a bone of contention. The shoddy manner in 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,” according to Rundle.
The DA has pointed out to the ANC-led metro on several occasions that the current status quo is a catastrophe in the making. Appointing commissions and having enquiries after the damage has been done is tantamount to wrestling with a closed door after the horse has bolted.
The DA says the mayor, Clr 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.
