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Water cuts begin in Gauteng municipality as debt crisis worsens

Residents in the Emfuleni Municipality south of Gauteng are facing water cuts by Rand Water as its debt crisis worsens.

According to DA Emfuleni Constituency Head, Kingsol Chabalala, the municipality cannot afford to pay Rand Water an outstanding debt of R 214 million and the water supplier has subsequently lowered the water pressure by 20%, with the possibility of the pressure being further reduced if the situation doesn’t change.

Emfuleni already owes Eskom R114 million and is failing to collect revenue, leading to a massive increase of its municpial overdraft to R500 million in order to pay its debts.

“Maladministration and poor financial decision making are to blame for the collapse of service delivery in Emfuleni. Schools and clinics will now be placed at risk without water, while the Mayor conducts his business in luxury from the Shakespeare Hotel,” Chabalala said.

In February, the DA submitted a petition to debate service delivery failures by the municipality, but couldn’t secure a debate.

“I call on the MEC of Finance in Gauteng, Barbara Creecy, to intervene as a matter of urgency to resolve the municipality’s debt crisis. Premier Makhura reportedly instructed MEC Creecy to conduct an audit of the Emfuleni financial records. The DA will also submit written questions in the Provincial Legislature to follow up on whether the MEC did in fact conduct the audit of the municipality,” Chabalala said.

[Image – CC Roger]

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