Ward 10 Freedom Front Plus (FFP) councillor Wilma Venter released a press statement on January 12.

In it, she stated that it is unfair for residents to carry the consequences of the Lekwa Local Municipality’s (LLM) mismanagement and administrative decay.

According to Venter, residents have resorted to sending their meter readings to the LLM to avoid incorrect accounts, but errors remain common.

Payments have also become a burden, with residents forced to provide proof of payment, even though it is the LLM’s responsibility to reconcile its bank statements.

Venter said that even when accounts were disputed, and despite providing proof of payment, the power at certain homes was still cut off.

“These practices represent gross maladministration and abuse of power,” she stated.

She claimed the municipality has weaponised essential services to intimidate the public and hide internal mistakes and mismanagement of funds.

The party demanded an immediate stop to incorrectly suspending services. Venter said correct meter readings and payments must be acknowledged and reflected on residents’ municipal statements.

She added that the LMM must correctly reconcile its accounts and fix any errors, while officials should be held responsible for incorrect billing and unlawful disconnections.

“The FF Plus will continue to pressure Lekwa to fulfil its basic duties. Service delivery is a legal obligation, and accountability is non–negotiable,” Venter concluded.