Several Mpumalanga municipalities have racked up large debts with the water provider Rand Water.
According to Mr James Masango, provincial leader for the DA and spokesman for CoGTA, these unpaid debts can result in the flow of water being reduced and could lead to further water supply challenges.
“In a reply to a parliamentary question posed by DA’s parliamentary member, Tarnia Baker, to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Nomvula Mokonyane, it has emerged that, as of February 2017, 13 Mpumalanga municipalities owe Rand Water over R300 million.”
These municipalities include Bushbuckridge, Govan Mbeki, Mbombela, eMalahleni, Delmas and Thembisile Hani.
According to the press release from the DA, the full amount that Govan Mbeki Municipality owes Rand Water is R42 729 206, but Council said that amount is incorrect.
They said the actual amount is closer to R25-m.
Mr Bheki Kubheka, spokesman, said the debt originated in March 2017 following the more than R100-m payment made by the municipality to Eskom to prevent power disruptions.
He went on to say that Rand Water was contacted in this regard and was informed the account would be settled.
“As far as we know, Rand Water is not contemplating cutting off our water supply.”
Read the full story in the Ridge Times.
