Members of opposition parties demand answers. The municipality on Wednesday had to account before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Finance, where their annual financial statements were considered following a damning report by the Auditor-General (AG).

The Head of the AG in the Free State, Luthando Mbandazayo, during his presentation highlighted how municipalities in the province are still plagued by high irregular expenditure, non-compliance with tender procedures and lack of leadership among other issues.

The DA's David van Vuuren and EFF's Malefane Msimanga highlighted residents in Qwaqwa and surrounding areas are suffering from a lack of services, and sought answers as to how the municipality plans to address its financial troubles.

The municipality, represented by Executive Mayor Masechaba Mosia Lakaje, Municipal Manager Futhuli Patrick Mothamaha and its CFO, admitted to the House that the municipality's financial well-being is not yet where one would want it to be, but there are improvements.

They told the committee they are adhering to their payment agreement with Eskom and that they are working with the Sedibeng Water Board on measures to ensure sustainable water supply.

OFM News previously reported that this municipality is among the Free State municipalities that collectively owe Eskom over R12 billion, with more than 50% of the debt owed by the Maluti-A-Phofung and Matjhabeng Local Municipalities alone.

The Maluti-A-Phofung's management further added that they are still grappling with revenue collection and are now sitting at only 46%.

Whilst the management has committed to improve water and electricity supply, the opposition further demanded answers on the R220 million allocated by Water and Sanitation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu to address water issues at the municipality. The parties demand that the troubled Maluti-A-Phofung provides the Committee with a detailed report on the matter within seven days.

OFM News