The lekgotla was attended by members of the executive committee, including Premier Sisi Ntombela, MECs, and HODs of various departments.

Attendees sought to undertake a critical assessment of the government’s strategic service delivery programme in the province.

Reports detailing plans, challenges and targets from various departments was handed over during the deliberations.

The province has been faced with serious challenges of service delivery and the deterioration of infrastructure. This has also affected the ability of municipalities across the province to deliver basic services to residents.

Such municipalities include the troubled Mangaung Metro Municipality.

OFM News previously reported that even after national intervention, the Bloemfontein-based Mangaung Metro Municipality in the Free State incurred a loss of R1,8 billion in the previous financial year.

The metro further failed to investigate unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, and wasteful expenditure, amounting to R1.4 billion.

ALSO READ: Mangaung’s financial woes worsen, even after intervention

The Metro allegedly spends R406,6 million a year due to water losses, which amounts to approximately R1,1 million per day.

ALSO READ: Water loss costs Mangaung almost half a billion per year

Mayor Mxolisi Siyonzana previously mentioned that the municipality has not been able to deliver mandated services to residents due to overwhelming debts of the previous administration.

ALSO READ: Debt weighs heavily on service delivery: Mangaung Mayor

Meanwhile, the Lekgotla will reconvene and conclude its business on Wednesday 22 February 2023 in Bloemfontein.

OFM News