Note to editors: Please find attached English and Sesotho soundbites by Cllr Hismajesty Maqhubu.
The capacity of management in the Tokologo Local Municipality has come under scrutiny, following its failure to utilise the conditional grants allocated for the 2022/23 financial year.
Adding insult to injury, these unspent grants were not properly accounted for in the municipality’s financial statements. This lack of diligence in financial oversight led to an overstatement of revenue and an understatement of liabilities.
Of particular concern are vital grants such as the Municipal Finance Management Internship Programme (MFMIP), aimed at bolstering financial management capabilities within the municipality. Additionally, the Bulk Water grant, designated to alleviate water shortages in areas like Dealesville during droughts, remains untapped. Furthermore, the bucket eradication project in Dealesville lags more than three years behind schedule.
The community bears the brunt of these failures, as essential services falter due to mismanagement. The Democratic Alliance is committed to highlighting this situation by holding management accountable and ensuring consequence management for those responsible. We pledge to undertake thorough reviews and suggest necessary reforms to restore confidence in service delivery and foster community development. Therefore, we will raise the issue in the upcoming council meeting to ensure the municipality answers for its mismanagement.