In a media statement, DA Ward Councillor Anphia Grobler called on the Acting CFO, Smangaliso Mahlangu, “to stabilize the municipality’s tainted relationship with contractors responsible for supplying water across different villages.”
The statement further reads:
“Recently, it emerged that the municipality is allegedly battling with keeping up with the payments of these contractors.
It must be noted that several villages in Steve Tshwete are reliant on water trucks for the provision of water. These villages include Doornkop, Piet Tlou, Sizanani, Somapepa and other farm villages.
Residents from these villages then collect water from a central Jojo tank close to their homes with containers and wheelbarrows. Therefore, it greatly inconveniences their livelihoods if these tankers are not filled.
An internal investigation has shown that the municipality’s finances are in such a dire state that there is no money to pay the contractors.
The DA reached out to different contractors who confirmed that they have outstanding accounts from the municipality.
Reports have also revealed that the municipality partially paid its contractors because key priority was given to creditors like Eskom.
Notably, the municipality has failed to deal with the water crisis in these villages. Officials in the municipality have also shown lack of accountability and blatant disregard to the needs of residents.
The DA urges the municipality’s management to assess their finances and urgently convene a meeting with its contractors to find lasting solutions.”
