The eThekwini Municipality has confirmed that a formal internal investigation is currently underway following allegations that workers were drinking alcohol while on duty at a repair site in Phoenix.
The probe was launched after reports emerged of a heated confrontation between residents and staff on Trenance Park Drive last weekend.
Municipal Marketing and Communications Director Mandla Nsele confirmed the investigation following formal queries regarding the conduct of the crew. Nsele clarified that while the city is taking the matter seriously, the individuals involved are employed by an external contractor rather than being direct municipal staff.
“EThekwini Municipality confirms that a formal investigation is currently underway to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the matter. As part of its commitment to accountability and good governance, the City follows established internal processes to assess whether any wrongdoing occurred,” Nsele said.
The findings of the investigation will guide the municipality on appropriate actions, which Nsele noted may include penalties or strict restrictions on the contractor if they are found responsible. He maintained that the municipality remains committed to ensuring all contractors and their employees uphold the highest standards of conduct when serving residents.
The incident was brought to light by Trenance Park resident Berlinda Belcher.
“The driver was wearing a municipal sun hat. He and another male were standing outside the vehicle drinking beer. When I questioned him, the driver admitted to being on duty and on a break. When I asked if he knew what he was doing was wrong, he said he knew,” Belcher said.
According to Belcher, the situation escalated when the driver allegedly left the scene to collect additional people from a nearby bottle store. She claims there were eventually five people drinking inside the municipal vehicle. When she began recording the incident on her mobile phone, the workers allegedly exited the van and attempted to take the device to delete the footage. After they were unsuccessful in seizing the phone, Belcher says the workers got back into the vehicle and drove off.
The matter was reported to Action SA PR Councillor Alice Govender, who subsequently escalated the complaint to the Executive Director for Technical Services, Ednick Msweli. Govender expressed her dismay at the state of service delivery and the conduct of those tasked with repairs.
“I find it embarrassing to work for a city that makes promises but is unable to deliver to its ratepayers and residents. The city has to do things differently if we are to see a positive change in service delivery,” Govender said.
Govender further noted that the same faults are often fixed numerous times only to leak again, which she believes speaks to the use of inferior materials and unqualified contractors. Following the formal complaint, the burst pipe on Trenance Park Drive, which had been leaking for five weeks, was finally repaired.