Lynnwood roadworks suspended as subcontractors protest unpaid salaries since last year
Workers have left the Lynnwood Road site amid allegations of non-payment dating back to 2024, causing another major delay in the long-running project to add Bus Rapid Transit lanes and widen the busy route.
Subcontractors working on the Lynnwood Road upgrade project Line 2c have raised concerns regarding non-payment by the main contractor, Tshabalala Buhle Muhle (TBM).
The project began in May 2023 and aims to widen Lynnwood Road and integrate Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes; however, it has remained plagued by delays.
The latest delay is with subcontractors ceasing work due to outstanding payments, with Jennifer Kekana, a subcontractor involved in the project, stating that the last payment received was in October 2024.
“We were supposed to receive our money every month,” Kekana explained, continuing, “Tshwane [metro] paid the contractor upfront, but he failed to pay us.”
Kekana further highlighted that the project is almost complete, and the main contractor has reportedly received nearly all the funds allocated for the project.
“There are no workers on site, and the project is on hold because workers are not paid,” she added.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, subcontractors visited the metro’s Roads and Transport Department offices on August 6 to seek help.
However, Kekana claimed that officials were unresponsive and locked themselves in their offices, refusing to engage with the subcontractors.
“We have even told the engineers that since the project started, the contractor has had a problem paying people’s salaries,” she said.
According to metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, the metro is looking into the matter. He confirmed that the main contractor has received all payments for the work that has been completed on the contract.
He acknowledged that subcontractors had visited the metro’s offices to enquire about their outstanding payments.
“The subcontractors visited the metro’s Roads and Transport Department offices on August 6, to enquire about their outstanding payments by TBM.
“Clarity was provided on the outstanding payments that the metro owes to TBM.”
The metro confirmed that TBM has received all payments for completed work.
According to Mashigo, the remaining balance owed by the metro is for work still to be completed on the project.
“All payments were received by the contractor (TBM) for all the completed work on the contract.”
Mashigo said the metro has processes in place to ensure subcontractors are paid on time, including allowing for about 30% subcontracting on projects, with oversight by the project team and the responsible ward councillor.
“As and when disputes arise, such as non-payment complaints, the metro initiates engagement with the contractor to resolve the matter.”
Mashigo stated that both timelines and milestones have been affected, as subcontractors have ceased work due to non-payment.
The situation remains tense, with subcontractors demanding immediate payment and threatening to escalate the matter if their concerns are not addressed promptly.
TBM was approached by Rekord for comment, but had not responded by the time of publication.
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