This is according to Parliament’s Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta). The committee, which conducted an oversight inspection at the municipality on Monday, expressed concern over its administrative and financial woes. 

The municipality currently owes Eskom R107 million and is more than R110 million indebted to the Vaalharts Water and Sedibeng Water. Chairperson of the committee, China Dodovu, said it is also worrisome that the municipal council has not been able to convene council meetings to consider statutory requirements, such as the approval of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), nor has it passed the 2019/20 budget.

Dodovu has highlighted that “this undermines the role and function of municipalities to deliver services to the people”.

The municipality, which was placed under administration back in April, has also been making news over a lack of cooperation and physical threats against the intervention team.

Meanwhile, Dodovu has encouraged those who oppose the intervention to interact with the Cogta Minister, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. He said the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) will further discuss issues faced by the municipality and chart a way forward.

The committee is today proceeding to other financially troubled municipalities in the province.

OFM News