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Gauteng Provincial Government Departments collectively owe local governments R476.32 million in rates and taxes.

This was revealed during a presentation by the Gauteng Department of Local Government and Housing to the Portfolio Committee in the legislature.

The biggest culprit is the Gauteng Department for Infrastructure Development which owes municipalities R182.4 million in rates and taxes. The departments of Education (R107.4m), Health and Social Development (R100.4m), Local Government and Housing (R71.6m) and Roads and Transport (R14.6m) are the other departments which owe significant amounts to municipalities.

The metros of Johannesburg (R199.7m) and Ekurhuleni (R185m) are owed the largest amounts, followed by Tshwane (R43m), Emfuleni (R18.9m), Mogale City (R14m), Merafong (R8.3m), Lesedi (R4.3m) and Midvaal (R1.1m).

The failure of these departments to pay their municipal bills is irresponsible. The Provincial Povernment has a responsibility to ensure that local governments are supported in improving their cash flows.

The Gauteng provincial government should set an example when it comes to the settling of municipal accounts. How can they expect consumers to pay accounts when they don't?

Municipal debt owed to municipalities in Gauteng stands at R33.3 billion, which is already unacceptably large. Therefore it is of utmost importance that provincial governments do not exacerbate this problem through their lack of payment.

Provincial government departments must budget realistically for the payment of municipal bills and ensure that their cash flow takes this into consideration. Municipalities must be prioritised as debtors within the provincial government to ensure they are paid on time.