Today, 28 May 2013, the North West Provincial Legislature’s Standing Committee on Provincial Public Accounts (SCOPA) has resolved to call a meeting with Botshelo Water and municipalities under the Ngaka Modiri Molema and Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District municipalities over unpaid debt of R173 million.
This came after Botshelo Water presented a report to the committee over the escalating bulk water supply debts from the municipalities.
Chairperson of the Botshelo Water board, Ms Sophia Ratlhagane said municipalities continue to show lack of commitment on repaying the debt and often resolve to use private companies to provide water services to communities.
“The outstanding balance as of 30 April 2013 for Mafikeng Local Municipality was R60,4 million the whilst Ngaka Modiri Molema District owes about R58,4 million on operations and maintenance.
“After numerous meetings for intervention with the district municipalities and Department of Water Affairs failed, we have resolved to ask SCOPA to assist us retrieve the revenue owed,” said Ms Sophia Ratlhagane.
She said the entity is also unable to pay an amount of R209 million owed to the Department of Water Affairs over the raw water abstracted.
The Committee chairperson, Hon. Hlomane Chauke said an urgent meeting with the relevant stakeholders will be convened soon.
“We will also involve government departments to assist on this urgent matter as access to water is a fundamental human right,” Hon. Chauke.
For more information contact:
Namhla Luhabe
Cell: 079 527 0628
