According to Public Works and Infrastructure MEC, Tshidi Koloi, her department is committed to ensuring that departments settle their municipal bills.

Tabling the department's R1.7 billion budget for the 2021/22 financial year, Koloi said municipal payments, infrastructure development and maintenance in the province remains key, despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Coupled with its plan to invest R13 billion in infrastructure projects over the next three years, Koloi announced that they will continue ensuring that municipal services are paid - with the bulk of the budget set aside to settle the debt owed by the troubled Mangaung Metro Municipality, its electricity entity Centlec, as well as Matjhabeng and the Maluti-A-Phofung municipalities.

She announced they will be working with the different departments to ensure a reduction of water and electricity consumption in government buildings.

She confirmed approximately R12 million has been saved in the current financial year from the budget allocation of hospitals.

OFM News previously reported on how the provincial government has received heavy criticism for failure to pay municipalities for services provided.

Addressing Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) and communities, Koloi said over R260 million has so far been paid to Mangaung, R71 million to Centlec and R83 million to Maluti-A-Phofung.

OFM News