Salga expresses support for municipalities handling debt crisis
The South African Local Government Association has expressed its support for municipalities that are getting serious about managing their debt.
It's given the thumbs up to those that have been cutting off government departments and businesses that are sitting with unpaid municipal bills.
Salga KZN hosted a members’ assembly in Empangeni on Friday where pressing issues on the governance of municipalities were discussed.
Some 54 mayors and their municipal managers attended the event.
Salga provincial chairperson Thami Ntuli says the millions of rands owed to municipalities affect their ability to provide services.
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"It has a direct impact [on] service delivery. Services such as the provision of water and electricity are basic rights. [Government] departments should be leading in ensuring that municipalities are paid."
Ntuli says Msunduzi Municipality is already reaping the rewards of its decision to move forward with disconnections.
"As a result, they were able to improve in their collection and they were able to address some service delivery issues that were impacting negatively on the municipality. There is no [justification] for government departments not paying on time.
"That is why we are saying that the only measure we ought to take now is for the municipalities to switch off services when payments are not received."
