DA in Limpopo raise concerns about debt owed to municipalities

The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo says it’s concerned that the municipalities are owed more than R1.2 billion by state-owned entities, as well as national and provincial government departments.

The party says the amount is for both property rates and municipal services.

The DA says this is hampering the municipality’s ability to deliver essential services, specifically water and electricity infrastructure maintenance.

DA Provincial Leader in Limpopo, Lindy Wilson, says Polokwane municipality alone is owed over R302 million.

“The Democratic Alliance in Limpopo calls on Premier Phophi Ramathuba to urgently effect sustainable repayment plans for more than R1 billion owed by government to Limpopo municipalities.”

Wilson adds: “The lion’s share of the debt is owed by Rural Development, that have over R503 million, Provincial Public Works – R482 million, Provincial Department of Education – R131 million. Failure to settle municipal debt debilitates the ability to deliver essential services, specifically water and electricity infrastructure maintenance.”