The association says the pandemic has not only put a spotlight on vulnerable impoverished communities, but on the capacity of municipalities that have generally been battling to generate revenue and were already in dire straits before the Coronavirus hit the country.

The association's President, Thembi Nkadimeng, says municipalities continue to provide essential services to their communities during this time, despite having been hard hit by the pandemic. She says large metropolitan councils have already lost about 30% of their monthly revenue and there remains a need for all South Africans to not neglect paying for water, electricity, and other municipal services.

Nkadimeng has highlighted that they are extremely concerned that the country's economic dip and job losses will have a rippling effect on municipal revenues from struggling citizens, as the financial viability of municipalities depends on revenue generated from these services.

President Cyril Ramaphosa in April allocated R20 billion to assist municipalities during the coronavirus pandemic.

He announced that this is to help municipalities with the provision of emergency water supply, increase sanitisation facilities, and provide food and shelter for the homeless.

As the country continues to open up the economy and now looks towards lockdown Level 3, Salga  encourages all citizens to continue paying for municipal services.

OFM News