‘Service delivery decline if we become a Metro’
If the West Rand becomes one metro, a combined debt of over R1,5 billion will severely compromise quality service delivery, says the DA.
According to the latest Government Gazette on Gauteng’s municipal statements, West Rand municipalities carry a massive debt burden outstanding more than 90 days.
Solly Msimanga, the DA Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, expressed concerns about the service delivery residents of the proposed metro will receive because of the debt burden.
Msimanga explained that Mogale City owes R629,89 million according to the Government Gazette.
As for the remaining municipalities, their debt is:
• Merafong – R588,95 million;
• Randfontein – R199,01 million; and
• West Rand District – R1,146 million.
“Due to continuous financial mismanagement, Westonaria was unable to report on its debtors, but that would only add to an already unmanageable debt burden for the proposed metro,” Msimanga said.
At Mogale City’s Public Participation meeting on 5 June, Executive Mayor Councillor Koketso Calvin Seerane said that the merging will provide a unified structure in the West Rand.
“Mogale City continues to grow as a population, and that needs to be accommodated,” Seerane said.
“The service delivery will be the same throughout the possible metro.”
Msimanga said that sharing and redistribution of financial resources claiming to improve service delivery standards and efficiency are “completely misguided”.
“The metro will inherit more debt than income.”
Msimanga further referred to Tshwane Metro’s debt burden of over R1 billion after four years of its formation.
“Tshwane only received R20 million from national government.”
The people of the West Rand deserve local government that is close to them and in tune with their service delivery needs, said Msimanga.
Nkosana Zali, Mogale City Local Municipality’s spokesperson, did not comment on this matter at the time of going to print.
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