The FF Plus notes the Gauteng province’s appointment of a senior advisor to help the Rand West City Local Municipality (Randfontein, Westonaria) out of its financial predicament.
The party hopes that the appointed person will be fit for the enormous task of saving Rand West from utter ruin.
The task at hand entails many challenges, such as the Municipality’s outstanding debt to Eskom and Rand Water.
At the end of October, Rand West owed Eskom R932 million, R831 million of which the National Treasury approved for debt relief.
An amount of R277 million will be written off at the end of March 2024 if the Municipality complies with the relevant conditions.
The outstanding Rand Water bill amounts to R483 million.
In addition, the ANC-controlled council adopted an unfunded budget for the 2023/24 financial year. Apart from the fact that it is unlawful, it also has an enormous impact on service delivery to residents.
The current collection rate of 83% for municipal utility bills should also be addressed.
At present, the collection rate for townships in Rand West is a mere 54%. The services of many defaulters in these areas are very rarely, if ever, suspended.
Drastic action should, furthermore, be taken against officials and politicians who misappropriate or steal tax money.
It is doubtful that the ANC possesses the political will to do so.
The FF Plus implores Rand West voters to register and vote to replace the Gauteng ANC government with a competent and accountable coalition government of which the FF Plus is part.
The time to act is now. Together, we can repair and rebuild Gauteng.