According to the latest non-financial census of municipalities report released by Stats SA, out of the 42 612 units that still exist in the country 47% are found in the Free State. 

Twelve municipalities in the province are said to have provided bucket toilets in 2018 with the Setsoto, Nala and Ngwathe Local Municipalities recording the highest numbers. A number of municipalities in the province, including the infamous Maluti-A-Phofung, Matjhabeng and the recently downgraded Mangaung Metro, are listed in the latest Auditor-General (AG) report as among those needing urgent intervention. 

The province also has the highest Eskom debt, with its municipalities owing the power utility more than R7.8 billion. The report indicates that although the use of municipal toilets in the country continues to decline; the Free State still has a staggering high number followed by the Eastern Cape at 29% and the Northern Cape at 20%.  

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