The eThekwini municipality is grappling with severe water service challenges, exacerbated by disputes between contractors and municipal officials.Contractors blocked access to a water services depot in Pinetown, demanding payment and addressing grievances over new contracting processes.This follows similar disruptions in April, where contractors claimed unpaid work since December.

The municipality introduced a new procurement model via the Contractor Infrastructure Panel (CIP) after Auditor-General findings deemed previous contracts irregular.However, long-serving contractors remain dissatisfied, arguing they were not consulted before the transition.Payment rates remain unchanged, but subcontractors now operate under managing contractors with a 15% management fee.Despite these changes, residents in Westville and Mount Moriah faced three-day water outages, attributed to sabotage.

The municipality acknowledges the impact of contractual disputes on service delivery, with over 12,000 leaks reported and non-revenue water (NRW) at 65% in June 2026.

Councillors warn that internal plumbers face higher costs due to theft and threats, while the Ratepayers Protest Movement (ERPM) calls for urgent resolution to prevent further service disruptions.The crisis highlights systemic issues in municipal management and the need for accountability in addressing water infrastructure failures.