Municipalities in the Free State province of South Africa are losing over 80% of their water supply annually due to leaks and illegal connections, resulting in a significant financial drain. A recent report revealed that 18 municipalities squandered R3.756 billion in potential revenue between 2016/17 and 2022/23. The Matjhabeng municipality emerged as the biggest offender, accounting for almost a third of the province's debt, with over R2.3 billion lost to leaks and illegal connections.
Some municipalities in the Free State have lost over 80% of their water in one year due to leaks and illegal connections. Free State municipalities are haemorrhaging water and money due to broken infrastructure.
Maluthi-A-Phofung, which straddles the Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal borders, had a combined wastage of at least R48.8 million over three years but failed to disclose the four other years requested. In the worst percentage of lost water for a single year, Mafube municipality lost 96% during the 2020/21 financial year.Mafube breached the 90% mark three times in six years, and in one separate year exceeded 80%, while the most recent year was not provided as the audit was still outstanding.“It is a crime to waste water on this scale in a water-scarce province while residents are plagued by frequent water outages,” stressed Cloete.
WATER LEAKS MUNICIPALITIES FREE STATE SOUTH AFRICA INFRASTRUCTURE
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Women arrested in Free State for allegedly stabbing boyfriendsThe two female suspects were arrested hours apart and will both appear in court on 27 December accused of killing their partners
Read more »
Festive Season Brings Road Safety Challenges in Free StateFree State Emergency Medical Services warns of increased risks during the festive season due to heavy traffic and potential accidents. They urge drivers to be cautious and avoid distractions.
Read more »
Free State Government Accused of Prejudice Over Unresolved Property Registration IssuesThe Public Protector's investigation revealed that the Free State government has failed to act on 480 applications of wrongful property registration since 2017, depriving individuals of their rightful ownership.
Read more »
Minister Investigates Land Dispute in Free StateFive emerging farmers in Melkkraal, Free State, received support from Minister Mzwanele Nyhontsho after alleging unfair treatment by officials from the department of agriculture. They claimed to have been threatened with eviction despite a valid lease agreement and that 1,200 hectares of land were taken away from them and given to another farmer.
Read more »
Two Hospitalized After Free State Storm Damages BuildingsA powerful storm in Welkom, Free State, South Africa, tore off the roof of a petrol station, injuring two people. The storm also caused severe damage to a local fire station, a school, and several houses. Authorities are investigating whether the event was a tornado or a severe thunderstorm.
Read more »
Three Free State police die in separate incidents over the weekend - SABC NewsA female constable booked out a service firearm and killed herself.
Read more »