Despite being unoccupied, it’s understood Moses Kotane municipality continues to spend scarce municipal resources on security, electricity, and maintenance costs. The mayoral house, purchased between 2002 and 2004 for R4 million, has seen its value plummet to approximately R1.35 million, said provincial whip Sylvia Sithole after a legislature delegation visited the home.

The sharp drop is attributed to severe structural defects, including major roof and plumbing issues. The cost of restoring the property would exceed R2 million, an amount equal to the municipality’s entire annual infrastructure maintenance budget, she added.

Ceiling falling off at Mayoral house not occupied for at least a decade. Photo: Facebook

North West’s permanent delegates to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) have raised serious concerns over the municipality’s decision to retain an unused and dilapidating property for a decade. 

During Thursday’s (20/11) oversight visit, delegates questioned why the municipality continues to hold onto an asset that delivers no benefit to the community and drains already limited financial resources.

Mayoral house not occupied for at least a decade. Photo: Facebook

Sithole described the situation as “shocking”, adding the continued retention of the deteriorating property places an unnecessary financial burden on the municipality, especially since there appears to be no plan to rehabilitate or repurpose it.

The municipality’s failure to resolve the matter or present a detailed report to the delegation weakens both municipal accountability and the effectiveness of NCOP oversight.

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