Dispute over Durban's parking meters contract

City says no contractual agreement in place

- THAMI MAGUBANE

THE company currently managing parking meters in the Durban city centre is locked in a bitter dispute with the eThekwini Municipality over its operations, as the City says there has been no valid contract in place since the end of 2017.

Emtateni Logistics, however, says that it is a recognised service provider to the municipality and continues to submit reports to the City every month, which is part of the agreement it has.

In addition, Emtateni Logistics accused the City of failing to fulfil some of its obligations regarding the operations of the meters, which has led to the severe decline in parking revenue.

The company was founded by the late Prince Sifiso Zulu but entered business rescue and was liquidated in 2013. Cindy Naicker came in as the business rescue practitioner, appointed by the liquidators, to administer the trading and operations of the company.

The Mercury has seen recent letters exchanged between the City and the company regarding the contractual relationship. In one letter, city manager Musa Mbhele sets out the history of the contract and states that none has been in place since the end of 2017.

He further warned of legal consequences if the company continued to operate.