The radical reduction of R1,4 billion in the 2023/24 adjustment budget of the Emfuleni Local Municipality (Evaton, Sebokeng, Vaal Oewer, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging) could once again result in the Municipality having to adopt an unfunded budget on 31 May this year.
It would be the sixth consecutive unfunded budget. This time, the Gauteng government could decide to place the Municipality under section-139 administration and dissolve the Council.
The reason for the reduction is failure to comply with a court ruling from June 2023 which determined that Eskom should handle all power supply and related services.
Rand Water will also take over water supply from the Municipality.
As from 1 July this year, residents will only have to pay the Municipality for assessment rates and refuse removal services.
The FF Plus enquired whether residents will still receive their utility bills as usual or whether each entity will issue its own bill to householders.
The party also enquired whether the bulk service providers will pay the Municipality a fee for using its infrastructure. A report on the matter was requested.
The fact that Eskom and Rand Water are replacing Emfuleni as service providers proves that the ANC-controlled Council is utterly unable to successfully govern the Municipality.
On 29 May, residents will have the opportunity to oust the ANC from power in Gauteng and replace it with a competent coalition government able to restore and rebuild the province.
;
