This, as members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) demanded answers on the running of the Metsimaholo Municipality. 

The EFF's Malefane Msimanga says the provincial government has been dragging its feet in dealing with the issues faced by this municipality and many others. 

Msimanga told the House that this municipality can barely deliver services to its people and alleged it is due to rotting caused by the ANC. 

His statement comes just weeks after the National Council of Province's (NCOP) delegation to the Free State raised concerns over the state of municipalities following a briefing by Treasury MEC Gadija Brown, who confirmed that Free State municipalities' Eskom debt now stands at R9.8 billion. 

This is an increase from R7.8 billion in 2018. During Brown's briefing, it was also revealed that municipalities collectively also owe water boards nearly R4 billion. 

Msimanga says the provincial Department of Co-operative Government and Traditional Affairs, as well as Treasury, need to acknowledge the political instability and financial rut of municipalities and intervene.

Responding to Msimanga, Cogta MEC Thembeni Ngxangisa said they are keeping a close eye on municipalities and working hand in hand with them to bring about stability.

He further told the House that they have categorised municipalities that are highly distressed and are attending to them.

The EFF's statements on Metsimaholo also come amidst growing concerns that its Council may be dissolved.

This coalition led municipality is reportedly not only plagued by a lack of service delivery, but by maladministration and political infights.

OFM News