This is in relation to the looming water disruption by the Bloem Water board. Botes says the Metro has been slapped with another notice of disruption after failing to settle its R419 million debt. The metro’s debt with the board has since allegedly accumulated with R30 million and is now R449 million. Botes says the Metro has no regard for the taxpayers and this is terrible for them. The municipality is yet to comment despite several inquiries sent on previous occasions.

Despite the repeated non-payment and non-adherence to its debt agreement with the water board, the troubled Mangaung Metro escaped the possible water interruptions on 17 August 2019 after the water board confirmed that it will not implement the restriction as initially announced by the board. The water board spokesperson, Kido Thoabala, told OFM News this followed a court judgment on July 16 that ordered the water board to lift its water restriction as it was deemed to be invalid. Kido says because of the court order the initial warning to reduce water supply fell away and water restrictions would not be implemented.

OFM News previously revealed the metro was given an ultimatum to pay a total of R419 million owed to the Bloem Water Board by 17 August, or face water disruptions. Kido said the water board can issue another warning or implement a water restriction only if proper procedure is followed.

OFM News has since sent detailed questions to the metro, who has yet to respond.

OFM News