Rosho said the state of municipalities in the province is a great cause for concern. This, in addition to their inability to produce clean audits. 

According to the latest Auditor-General (AG) report, the focus on local government, lack of accountability, high irregular expenditure, and irregular procurement processes is prevalent in North West municipalities. Rosho on Thursday told Members of the Provincial Legislature (MPLs) they have noted concerns raised by the AG. She said they are committed to turn around the financial state of municipalities in the province. Her statement comes just days after sporadic service delivery protests broke out in the province’s capital city and neighbouring towns.

“The department will intensify programmes to address the high vacancy rates in municipalities as well as in departments,” she said.

She further highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic has worsened the challenges faced by municipalities, with many of them finding themselves in a deeper financial rut battling to generate revenue.

“The journey to finding economic freedom and delivering service delivery will also be achieved through the fight against corruption and lack of accountability,” she highlighted.  

The DA and the EFF’s Lebogang Xaba have meanwhile said Rosho should ensure that her department implements consequence management measures and that the expenditure of taxpayers’ money goes towards serving communities.

OFM News