Gauteng Health refutes debt claims
The Department of Health in Gauteng has denied reports that it owes R421 million for municipal services.
Spokesperson Motalatale Modiba said the debt owed for municipal services, which includes electricity and water, is currently sitting at about R78 million.
"While the amount of R421 449 048, as reported in the media earlier today, is correct, this is only in the context that this figure is from a month ago (31 July 2023) when the finance unit in the GDoH processed an enquiry from the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. Since then, over R343 million has been paid to municipalities for services reducing the debt to R78 166 027," said Modiba.
"There has never been a time where the GDoH has absconded from paying municipalities for services rendered as this is essential to sustain critical municipal services that the Department relies on when delivering healthcare services in our facilities.”
Modiba said the department makes payment runs to municipalities and other service providers on a weekly basis.
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