Cape Town – The dysfunction of various municipalities of the free state is in the spotlight on Tuesday in parliament.
This is when the portfolio comité for cooperative board, the findings of the Auditor General.
The committee has heard that the culture of non-payment for services in the municipality of Setsoto has led to millions of edge in irreparable debts.
The Council hopes that a payment holiday of three months will help for residents to rake part of the money due in the historic debts.
Setsoto Mayor Seipati Mbiwe said that the municipality, including the cities of Clocolan, Ficksburg, Marquard and Senekal, cannot simply close irreparable debt without getting a part back.
She said that residents benefit from the depreciation legislation of debts by not paying for services.
Mbiwe has told the portfolio committee that smart in advance paid water meters in all areas will be installed in an attempt to have residents pay.
“We have no measure to punish the municipality if they do not pay for their services.”
In the meantime, municipal manager Nomvula Malatjie has confirmed that at least two employees have been packed for selling plots to residents.
“There was one civil servant whose services were terminated because of a fraudulent letter of authority that was used to transfer a site.”
Malatjie said that another staff member has been suspended and is currently confronted with a disciplinary process to take money in exchange for land.
Lindsay Dentlinger
www.ewn.co.za