Thirty municipalities facing water cut off over debts

The Department of Water and Sanitation has commenced with the issuing of notices to 30 defaulting municipalities notifying them of its decision to terminate bulk water supply.

Spokesperson for the department, Sputnik Ratau stated that it could be either of two things; to reduce the pressure that allows sufficient water to be pumped through all the time or to cut off the water. The minister, Nomvula Mokonyane influenced Section 59 of the Water and Sanitation Act.

He explained how the decision came about. “These debts have been accumulating over time and there are a number of processes that we have engaged in with the municipalities to try and recover them because it is part of what needs to be done to be able to operate as an organisation. The R10,7-billion is owed to both the department and the water board with the bulk of about two thirds of the money owed to the water board.”

Below is the list of the owing municipalities in Mpumalanga:

He also mentioned that legal procedures were followed in terms of the Intergovernmental Relations Act and that the department had successes with other municipalities where payment plans were arranged.

“Municipalities are responsible for paying for their bulk services within 30 to 60 days of receiving an invoice or statement. Negotiations will follow after the 90 day accounts are settled by December 8,” said Ratau.