Lekwa municipality responds

The Lekwa municipality acknowledged the financial trouble it is experiencing and stressed that the high levels of poverty and inequality in the area are contributing to its rising debt levels.

In the case of Eskom, while it is indebted, the municipality disputed the inference that it is not paying the utility. Along with customers who pay Eskom directly, the municipality’s attorneys are paying Eskom directly as well, said Noluthando Nkosi, Lekwa’s communications officer. In addition, Lekwa is paying 15% of its equitable share grant to the utility “without fail”.

Eskom was, however, charging “exorbitant interest” and other administration costs that Lekwa is unable to absorb or transfer to consumers.

The municipality “acknowledged” that it owed the water department, but said it is disputing incorrect billing from the department and it is awaiting a credit note to provide certainty on exactly what is owed.

The municipality has not failed to supply water, Nkosi said, but, like all other municipalities, Lekwa is faced with ageing infrastructure and unplanned population growth, which requires capacity upgrades. However, it has a limited budget for maintenance and repairs, Nkosi said. In its latest budget framework, the municipality is prioritising maintenance and repairs, but said it maintains “consistent supply of water to its customers, including Astral”.

Nkosi said the spending on the mayor’s vehicle was conducted in line with the mayoral handbook.

The co-operative governance and traditional affairs department said it had intervened to provide Lekwa with financial and infrastructure management support alongside the department of human settlements, water and sanitation. — Lynley Donnelly