This is according to the Democratic Alliance (DA) in the province.

The party says residents in the city of Welkom and neighbouring towns are subjected to a municipality that 'is in a financial catastrophe' and fails to deliver services to its residents.

The party's George Michalakis, who is also a member of Parliament, says it is appalling that this municipality's debt keeps escalating and that they now owe Eskom and Sedibeng Water approximately R7,5 billion - whilst the municipality is only able to collect around 53% of the money it’s being owed by residents and the government.

"This week Sedibeng also cut water supply to nearly 500 000 residents, many of who loyally pay their bills, due to the non-payment by the municipality," said Michalakis.

His statement came after the municipality had to account before members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) who are currently in the province to engage financially distressed municipalities.

OFM News previously reported that the National Council of Provinces’ (NCOP) week-long visit to the Free State forms a part of parliament's annual Provincial Week aimed at addressing issues faced at local government.

They are expected to engage the Maluti-A-Phofung, Metsimaholo, and Matjhabeng Local Municipalities as well as the Mangaung Metro Municipality during the course of this week.

OFM News