Intervention from the Bhisho MPLs has resulted in the Baviaans-municipality finally being paid by government.
The matter was brought to the attention of the DA in Bhisho and after letters, a question for oral reply and personal meetings with various MECs, the money has now been paid.
“The ongoing provincial financial mismanagement in the Eastern Cape continues to have an adverse effect on the smooth running of municipalities. The provincial Education Department took nine months to pay an amount of R240 000 to the Baviaans-municipality. The Health Department took seven months to pay R112 000,” said Legislature leader Bobby Stevenson.
“When the province withholds money due to municipalities, it has an extremely adverse effect on their financial viability. This sometimes results in cash strapped municipalities having to divert other resources to cover the shortfall caused by the province.
“For small municipalities amounts such as these are extremely important and without it they cannot function effectively. In the end, it is the people on the ground, who need service delivery, that are badly affected”.
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