Note to Editors: Please find the attached soundbite in English by Jacqueline Theologo, in Setswana by Freddy Sonakile and in Afrikaans by Carin Visser.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes the Auditor-General’s (AG) undertaking that Ngaka Modiri Molema District Municipality in North West may soon be the country’s first municipality to face the AG’s full might. The troubled municipality is responsible for the water supply to Ditsobotla, Mahikeng, Ratlou, Ramotshere Moiloa and Tswaing Local Municipalities.
Raw sewage overflowing from manholes and wastewater discharged into the nearby wetlands and rivers without being treated has been a problem for many years. The DA opened several criminal cases in this regard.
The AG issued three material irregularities against the district municipality’s management for failed water supply and sewerage management projects. These include projects identified for remedial action in the previous financial year. When remedial action is not taken, the AG can issue a certificate of debt, which may see Allan Losaba, the Municipal Manager, held personally responsible for the district’s irregular expenditure.
According to the AG’s report, no action has been taken to repair the water and sewerage works, which remain dysfunctional because of poor management, inadequate security, and equipment that is not maintained.
The Auditor-General has noted that other plants in the area are in a similar state of neglect and disrepair.
Repeated calls in the North West Legislature and District Council meetings by the DA have been ignored. The municipality has also been notorious for a lot of controversies.
The DA welcomes the intention of the Auditor-General to exercise their newly acquired powers, and we look forward to action being taken.
This situation has continued for years without any consequence management by the ANC-run municipalities and ANC-run Provincial Government.
The DA believes that the Auditor-General should not waste any time issuing the Certificates of Debt to the accounting officers responsible.
The DA is concerned about residents whose health have been at risk for far too long. This implementation of the powers given to the AG in terms of the Public Audit Act might set an example for other municipalities in NW, where there are zero clean municipal audits for the 2020/21 financial year.
The DA will keep a close eye on the situation.