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The DA in Masilonyana Local Municipality conducted oversight of the municipal vehicle yard after learning that seven municipal vehicles were to be collected by the sheriff.

On 30 January 2023, the sheriff attached the municipalities’ assets, including six vehicles and a compactor truck, in the recovery of outstanding funds to service providers. During the oversight, the DA confirmed that indeed seven vehicles including a compactor truck were attached.

The acting Municipal Manager confirmed the default of payment from the municipality for not making arrangements with service providers but assured us they will hold a meeting with the providers to mitigate a way forward out of this.

The situation could have been resolved sooner had the municipality followed through with the December council resolution to fill the vacant positions of Chief Financial Officer, Municipal Manager, and other managers to bring stability to the municipality. Instead, the municipality prioritized party obligations before service delivery and revenue collection.

According to MFMA No. 56 of 2003. On 31 January 2023, the Mayor should have tabled the annual report for the previous financial year. Unfortunately, this did not take place.

The action of the municipality will further damage service delivery in Masilonyana. Officials and workers are without the necessary resources and unable to carry out their duties, yet the residents are expected to pay for no service delivery.

The DA remains committed to being an effective force for change and regards service delivery as an essential right. The DA is ready to govern in the Free State, and we urge all residents to register to vote in the 2024 National and Provincial Government elections.

Issued by Sello Ernest Putsoenyane - DA Councillor Masilonyana Local Municipality