Lesufi vows 'urgent intervention' in financially-stricken Tshwane

Lesufi delivered his maiden State of the Province Address at the Johannesburg City Hall on Monday.

Both municipalities are experiencing financial difficulties and have been struggling to pay its Eskom debts. 

Tshwane, which is governed by a DA-led coalition,  owes the power utility some R1.4 billion. 

Mayor Randall Williams also announced his resignation earlier this month, saying the decision was made in the interest of the continued stability of the muti-party coalition in the city.

Lesufi said municipalities in Gauteng owe Eskom a combined R8.6 billion.

"Of this, R6 billion is owed by Emfuleni Municipality alone. We must intervene to assist Emfuleni, a municipality that has great potential.

"Recently, we led a delegation to meet with the officials and stakeholders of Emfuleni and Eskom management. Working together with the municipality, we are developing tangible programmes to assist this municipality with its challenges by appointing a capable municipal manager and chief financial officer. 

 "The other municipality that is worrying us is Tshwane, which has deteriorated, is struggling to pay Eskom and the latest Auditor General report has painted a bleak picture of a collapsing municipality. We will intervene in that municipality as a matter of urgency,"

Lesufi also raised concerns around the sinkholes in Khutsong, which falls under the Merafong City Local Municipality. 

"This scientific team is assisting the province to immediately find a workable solution to prevent loss of lives and ensure food security and the wellbeing of our residents.

"If we do not act, this community will be swallowed by sinkholes. Every day, we are inundated with emergency calls as houses are collapsing. We have now reached a stage where we have to declare a state of disaster in this municipality."

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