The DA in Limpopo calls on Premier Phophi Ramathuba to intervene provincially by implementing steps in terms of Section 154(1) or Section 139 of The Constitution to increase support to strengthen capacity of all municipalities in distress.
The Auditor-General found that inadequate oversight and slow implementation of corrective action continue to overshadow the audit outcomes of most municipalities in Limpopo.
In the 2022/23 audit findings, not one municipality received a clean audit, 18 municipalities received a qualified audit with findings, 8 municipalities received qualified audits and Modimolle-Mookgopong received an adverse audit opinion.
19% of municipalities cannot meet their obligations and nine municipalities approved unfunded budgets, which contributed to the total of R2.77 billion in unauthorised expenditure.
At 22 municipalities, fruitless and wasteful expenditure totalling R230,58 million placed more pressure on their financial health, while the amounts owed to Eskom and the water boards remained high at a combined R2,73 billion.
Despite over reliance on consultants and at an increased cost of 6% to R279.87 million, audit outcomes remained largely unchanged.
Water and wastewater infrastructure continues to deteriorate and incomplete projects exacerbate the lack of water supply to desperate communities. Sekhukhune District municipality underspent its municipal infrastructure grant , allocated for water projects, by R232,96 million- representing 49% of the grant allocation.
Poor maintenance practices remained a concern as most municipalities spent less than the National Treasury norm of 8% of the value of the assets on repair and maintenance.
Poor performance, lack of financial controls and derelict infrastructure hampers consistent and sustainable delivery of services and infrastructure in basic services like water, sanitation, waste management, electricity, housing and roads despite budgeted funds being spent.
On 4 October 2024 the province took control of Thabazimbi municipality with immediate effect to turn around the dysfunctional municipality, the council was dissolved and the IEC indicated that the by-elections for all the wards will take place in December 2024.
Thabazimbi is one of many municipalities in the province that require urgent intervention.
We call on Premier Ramathuba and the MEC for COGHSTA, Basikopo Makamu, to report on provincial interventions at all municipalities in distress to and to increase COGHTSA’s oversight of project delivery to improve the lives of the citizens of the province.