PREMIER MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of municipalities in the Free State, citing failures in water, electricity and refuse removal services.
Speaking during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Bloemfontein on Friday, she acknowledged the mounting service delivery challenges and pledged urgent intervention to restore basic services.
Letsoha-Mathae painted a grim picture of the situation, highlighting the neglect of critical infrastructure.
“Water treatment plants are not maintained. Electricity infrastructure is collapsing. Taps are dry. Streets are littered with garbage,” she said, underscoring the growing frustration among residents.
Several municipalities, including Mafube, Tokologo, Kopanong, Matjhabeng and Mangaung Metro, are currently under administration in terms of Section 139 of the Constitution due to severe financial mismanagement and service delivery failures.
The premier noted that while progress was being made to restore functionality, much work remains to be done.
Despite the challenges, Letsoha-Mathae assured residents that efforts to improve municipal governance and service delivery were ongoing.
She emphasised the importance of professionalising local government and ensuring that competent officials were appointed to key positions.
“Work to improve the state of our municipalities is continuing. We want to get the basics right and improve service delivery to our people,” Letsoha-Mathae said.
She announced that Section 56 managers had now been permanently appointed in line with the Municipal Systems Amendment Act of 2022, a move aimed at stabilising leadership in troubled municipalities.
Additionally, the province is working with local governments to develop municipal staff establishments suited to their specific needs and to review competency assessments and remuneration frameworks for senior managers.
To strengthen financial management, the premier revealed that a representative team had been deployed in Matjhabeng Local Municipality in February to oversee the implementation of its financial recovery plan.
The team is required to present monthly progress reports to the municipal council and the executive council.
Letsoha-Mathae acknowledged the ongoing electricity crisis, particularly the financial struggles municipalities face in meeting their obligations to Eskom.
Ten municipalities in the Free State are participating in the Eskom debt relief programme, which aims to assist them in settling their outstanding accounts while ensuring financial discipline in future dealings with the power utility.
Highlighting specific interventions, the premier noted significant progress in Maluti-a-Phofung, where the distribution agency agreement between the municipality and Eskom has led to the refurbishment of high-level network infrastructure in Qwaqwa.
“A total of 418 commercial meters have been installed since November 1, 2024, and 2 475 prepaid meters will be converted into smart meter technology,” she said.
The province has also begun repairing damaged meter kiosks to improve revenue collection and conducting technical assessments to enhance electrical network reliability.
In a bid to address the province’s water and sanitation challenges, the Department of Water and Sanitation has allocated R1.4 billion for infrastructure upgrades.
This funding will be used to improve water supply, enhance water quality and upgrade wastewater treatment facilities across the province.
The premier stressed the importance of government institutions leading by example in addressing municipal debt.
“We commit to meet our electricity, water, services and property rates obligations to municipalities to lessen their dire financial state,” she assured.
“Payment plans will be developed and adhered to. We will lead by example.”
While the premier’s address outlined several measures to improve Free State municipalities, the reality remains stark for many residents still experiencing daily service delivery failures.
The success of these interventions will largely depend on effective implementation, financial discipline and sustained oversight to ensure that struggling municipalities regain their ability to serve their communities. – Staff Reporter