The MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga, Mr Mandla Msibi says that now is the time for public representatives to advocate for the payment of municipal services. Mr Msibi says the rising consumer debts in Local Government should spur public
representatives at levels of government and non-governmental organizations into action to educate communities about the importance of paying for municipal services.
Mr Msibi notes that until communities are educated, the inadequate revenue faced by municipalities will deteriorate. “Two of our Municipalities, namely Emalahleni and Govan Mbeki owe Eskom R4,2 billion and R2 billion respectively due to non payment for power consumption by the local residents.
Through civic education residents can change their mindset. Now is the time for public representatives at our provincial government and our municipalities to educate communities to pay for electricity, water and other services,” Mr Msibi explains.
He says the majority of Municipalities in Mpumalanga are grant dependent and if many residents were paying for services, this would boost their revenue to sustain the delivery of services. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic is putting a strain to the dire situation faced by Municipalities. “Retrenchments that occur during the pandemic have a knock on effect to the Municipalities. Some of those who honor their payment of services are becoming jobless. This shrinks the revenue source for Municipalities. Through civic education, Executive Mayors, Councillors and Members of the Provincial Legislature will galvanize those who are suppose to honor their municipal payments to do so,” Mr Msibi said.
Mr Msibi further stated that civic education will help guide communities to make payment arrangements with their Municipalities through online methods in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and this may assist to prevent community members from contracting COVID-19.
Ends.
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contacts: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
FACEBOOK: mpu cogta
Twitter: @cogtamp