The Ministry for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) noted the release of the – “Quarterly Financial Statistics Survey of Municipalities December 2016” and “The State of Basic Service Delivery in South Africa: In-depth analysis of the Community Survey 2016 data” by Statistics South Africa on 30 March 2017.
“We accept these important surveys that will assist local government to further strengthen its work and interventions geared to addressing any challenges raised by communities in various localities” said Minister Des van Rooyen.
The Minister further stressed the importance of surveys as they provide insight and are key to any targeted interventions that government can put in place to address any challenges or issues raised affecting communities.
The Quarterly Financial Statistics Survey of Municipalities December 2016, provides stakeholders with information that will allow them to analyse and assess the state of local government finances in the country.
The income and expenditure of all 257 municipalities for the period 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2016 (on a quarterly basis) reflected the consolidated financial performance for the rates and general services as well as that of the housing and trading services of local government institutions.
According to the December 2016 release estimates, our figures show that there is a decrease in purchases and sales of electricity and water due to a number of factors.
Another important report that was released by Stats SA on 30 March 2017 is the Community Survey 2016. This report found that 89,8% of households used piped water, 63,4% used flush toilets connected to either the public sewerage or to a local septic system, 63,9% of households receive refuse removal services, and that 87,6% of households had access to electricity.
Although tremendous progress has been made over the past few decades in the delivery of basic services, the survey has highlighted areas of concern which require action from local government so that communities can get access to basic services.
“We urge Municipalities to study and appraise themselves with the content of these important surveys about local government as by understanding them, we will go a long way in ensuring that we respond better to the needs of communities”, added Minister.
Enquiries:
Legadima Leso
Cell: 083 378 9495
