#FSSOPA2022: Free State allocated R69 million to steer up service delivery in ailing municipalities

With municipalities in a dire state to deal with infrastructural backlog in townships, Free State Premier Sefora ‘Sisi’ Ntombela said there’s a bodly need to push out deadlines on service delivery within ailing municipalities.

Municipalities across the province are in a state of collapse, where citizens have to endure shortages of water supply, roads riddled with potholes, sewage spillages and lack of electricity.

Speaking during her State of The Province Address (SOPA) on Monday, Premier Ntombela vowed that ailing infrastructure is at her cards, and the province is on strive to assist municipalities with financial backlogs to redeem good service delivery.

“Many of our municipalities are in a dire state. Running sewage on the streets, poor water supply and mismanagement are all too common,” said Ntombela.

Ntombela said the provincial government is working along with the newly elected councilors at the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) to repair the state of municipalities.

“All we want is to get the basics right and improve service delivery,” said Ntombela.

Ntombela also added that during last year’s financial year, the provincial government allocated R69 million as part of the Municipal Infrastructure Grant to improve service delivery.

“At the end of June 2021, R69 million had been spent. This was 87% of the total grant allocated.

As a result 2 469 of jobs were created of which 608 were allocated to women,” said Ntombela.