The visibly irritated Members of Parliament (MPs) aired their views and frustration with the Free State's permanent delegate to the NCOP, Itumeleng Ntsube, who was chairing the oversight visits.

Different political parties, including the DA, EFF and FF Plus, recommended that serious action be taken with regard to certain municipalities which came under the spotlight during these NCOP sittings at the Free State Legislature this week.

Ntsube concurred with the permanent delegates that some measures would have to be taken, with regard to the Kopanong and Mangaung municipalities, in particular. OFM News previously reported that municipalities, including the Welkom-based Matjhabeng and the Theunissen-based Masilonyana, amongst others, were discussed extensively with their debt issues scrutinised.

Ntsube this week told OFM News that the Select Committee could call in chapter nine institutions, such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to assist with allegations. He says if found that there are gross mismanagement and misconduct in municipalities, the NCOP has the power to call the NPA to hold those allegedly accountable, responsible as part of its intervention.

Also read: NCOP could rope in NPA over Free State municipalities' troubles

The oversight visits by members of the NCOP assessed the state of water and sanitation in these municipalities.

Ntsube expressed frustration with the municipal officials’ lack of accountability. This was after metro officials absconded from site visits by the NCOP delegation at the Wepener and Dewetsdorp sewerage works on Wednesday.

Also read: Mangaung expected in NCOP's hot seat

Different stakeholders, including the Free State MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mxolisi Dukwana, amongst others, addressed the NCOP and expressed frustrations with the recent developments in these troubled municipalities in the province.

He told the NCOP members that personal interests across municipalities are hampering service delivery.

Also read: Personal interests standing in the way of service delivery

This week, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Limakatso Moorosi, reminded the House that the total debt by the Free State municipality to the institution is more than R1 billion. She said Kopanong owes R500 million, whilst Mangaung is at least now adhering to its payment commitment of R2 million. This is not the only debt owed to service providers, as Eskom is owed R16 billion by Free State municipalities with Matjhabeng, Maluti-A-Phofung, and Ngwathe being the biggest contributors.

Also read: Dukwana roasted over issues of Mangaung

OFM News