The closure of the gate to the City of Mbombela (CoM) offices on Monday caused distress to community members. They raised their concerns about services being interrupted due to this. There were speculations that the cause of the closure was due to corruption, and some people allegedly wanted the municipality to resolve the matter.

The municipality’s spokesperson, Joseph Ngala, dismissed the speculations on corruption.

“A contractor was appointed for the Zwelisha Bermuda Road project by CoM and was duly paid for work done. Some disgruntled subcontractors came and interrupted services due to their own issues of non-payment, which had nothing to do with the municipality.

ALSO READ: Municipality condemns the illegal selling of land

As indicated, the contractor did not pay its creditors, who in turn came and interrupted services, but we repeat: that had nothing to do with the municipality.”

ALSO READ: Former Mpumalanga EFF councillor crosses over to DA

The gates were later opened and services were resumed.