VANDERBIJLPARK.— The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) says it is in a strong financial position with a cash balance of R852m and enough working capital to pay its short-term bills.

The municipality announced this week that disciplined spending, careful cash planning, and a massive R1.97b Eskom debt write-off approved by the National Treasury in July have driven these improvements.

The municipal spokesperson, Makhosonke Sangweni, said that the council has finalised plans to pay Rand Water R407m as a top priority.

“Thereafter, the municipality will systematically settle other outstanding creditors in a phased and orderly approach. These measures are designed to reduce the overall debt burden, restore supplier confidence, and ensure long-term financial sustainability while enhancing essential service delivery,” Sangweni added.

The municipality has also spent or committed R210m in Municipal Infrastructure Grant funding on vital community projects to upgrade local facilities and boost residents’ quality of life.

We have moved into a position of positive liquidity and maintain a solid cash balance.

The Municipal Manager (MM), April Ntuli, expressed great satisfaction with the financial turnaround, noting that recent internal audit results confirm that their new financial controls are working.

“We have moved into a position of positive liquidity and maintain a solid cash balance. This has allowed us to put a structured plan in place to settle our debts responsibly. The positive feedback we have re-ceived from our internal auditors is particularly encouraging.”

ELM management, Sangweni said, plans to keep a close eye on cash flow to ensure all remaining funds are used properly and on time.

“These improvements are not accidental. They are the result of deliberate efforts to strengthen financial controls, improve revenue collection, and prioritise our obligations,” Ntuli concluded.