This is according to the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Thembeni Nxangisa. Tabling his department’s 2021/22 budget in Botshabelo, Nxangisa said municipalities in the province are still plagued with high vacancy rates, low revenue collection, and escalating debts to service providers. He confirmed these have been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting that they are anticipating revenue collection to continue declining due to the non-payment of services. Nxangisa told the Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) and community members gathered at the Lenyora La Thuto Comprehensive School, that provision of sustainable water, sanitation and electricity are key in the 2021/22 financial year.

His statement comes just a day after OFM News reported on how the South African Human Rights Commission has expressed concerns at the state of ailing municipalities in the Free State and how their inability to carry out their constitutional functions infringes on residents’ human rights.

Tabling his department’s R416 million budget, Nxangisa further confirmed a report by the Auditor-General, indicating how all municipalities in the province need urgent intervention, is of high concern and that they will be allocating some funds to ensure that concerns raised by the AG are addressed.

He announced that over R25,3 million is specifically allocated towards achieving clean audits in municipalities.

OFM News