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The debt crisis in three ANC-run local municipalities in Gauteng, namely Mogale City, Emfuleni and Merafong City, is growing as the DA has learnt from a National Treasury report on the Division of Revenue Bill that these municipalities owe Rand Water almost half a billion Rand.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that these municipalities also collectively owed Eskom over half a billion rand.

It was revealed, at the end of their financial years, that the Emfuleni Local Municipality owes Rand Water R369-million, Merafong City owes R52-million and Mogale City R20-million. This is in addition to the massive amounts owed to Eskom.

With population growth, Gauteng needs urgent investment into new bulk water infrastructure as it is a water scarce province, but, based on payment rates to Rand Water, it is clear that the ANC is indifferent to this long-term problem.

It is lamentable that the ANC in Gauteng, which claims to be committed to good governance, have allowed their local municipalities to reach such dire financial straits.

The ANC in Gauteng prefers to maintain patronage rather than take action against ANC Mayors and office bearers who mismanage public money.

The people of Gauteng deserve a new beginning under a DA-led government where the government can pay its debts and guarantee the delivery of services. The ANC in Gauteng cannot continue to place the delivery of services, especially water, at risk.

The DA will continue to fight for good governance for all citizens, and probe why Gauteng COGTA MEC, Paul Mashatile and Gauteng Finance MEC, Barbara Creecy’s millions spent on ‘municipal support programmes’ are going to waste.

Issued by DA