JACQUES Smalle, leader of the DA in Limpopo, accused the department of cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs (Coghsta) of inaction while nine municipalities in its jurisdiction owed a total of R617 million for electricity and water.
Smalle said the nine municipalities owed R104 million to Eskom for electricity and R513 million to two water boards for water.
According to Smalle, the main culprits were Makhado, who owed R17,7 million, Ba-Phalaborwa, who owed R3 million, Mookgophong, who owed R21 million and Thabazimbi, who owed R62,3 million to Eskom.
“At the same time, Ephraim Mogale owes R6,5 million, Elias Motsoaledi R14,8 million, Greater Giyani R3,9 million, Thabazimbi R11,7 million, Ba-Phalaborwa R179 million and Mopani District Municipality owes R297,6 million to the Lepelle and Magalies Water Boards,” Smalle said.
“Serious financial intervention is now needed at local municipalities. These debts are a result of violations of the Municipal Finance Management Act and supply chain management policies. The finance regulations clearly require municipalities to cover their obligations within a 30 day period,” he said.
“Municipalities who fail to make payments and who default on financial obligations for financial reasons call for MEC Makoma Makhurupetje to intervene.”
Coghsta spokesperson, Motupa Selomo, said the department was aware of the problem and confirmed that municipalities owed a lot of money.
“This is a serious challenge and the department is busy dealing with it. We attend to our municipalities’ problems every day and will solve this problem as soon as possible.”
