According to MEC Thembeni Nxangisa, these include the lack of consequence management, political infighting, non-compliance with procurement processes, the lack of skills in strategic positions, the lack of revenue collection, as well as escalating Eskom and water board debts. 

Tabling his department’s R416 million budget for the 2021/22 financial year, Nxangisa said the state of municipalities in the province remains a great cause of concern with many struggling to provide services. He confirmed municipalities in the province collectively now owe Eskom more than R13.5 billion, with the troubled Maluti-A-Phofung and Matjhabeng owing the bulk of it.

“The municipalities also owes large amounts of monies to service providers. The huge debt is sometimes a source of conflict between municipalities and service providers, leading to supply being terminated by the providers which, as a result, leaves communities without services. We will like to encourage businesses and residents to pay for services,” he said.

He adds that the use of Consultants by municipalities without improvements in their financial reports is also a cause of concern, which his department will be paying attention to.

Nxangisa said this year they are more resolute that the department will transform the lives of residents and build an efficient department that works closer with the local government.

OFM News