This comes after Bloem Water recently issued a scathing statement on the failure of the Metro to honour its monthly instalments. The two entities held a prolonged meeting on the 24 June 2021, in which deliberations and payment plans were agreed upon. According to the statement, R20.7 million was paid on 30 June 2021, and another outstanding amount, which includes the amount due for May 2021, will be settled by 12 July 2021. The  Metro was led by its Economic and Development Head of the Department (HOD), Teboho Maine, who are the acting City or Municipal Manager (MM). Bloem Water was led by Chief Executive Limakatso Moorosi. This meeting came as result of the notice issued on 2 June 2021 to the Metro to reduce water supply. The restrictions will no longer take place as initially communicated.

It was stated that the Metro has to inform Bloem Water in writing in advance if it is unable to make any payment by the due date. Regular meetings between Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Legal and Technical teams of both entities are expected to be held to discuss outcomes, challenges, and progress between the two entities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi