SA Local Government Association says ‘unfair’ practice not sustainable solution to mounting water debts
Human settlements, water & sanitation minister Lindiwe Sisulu is on a collision course with local government on how to deal with water arrears.
"For the top-slicing to be implemented, parliament would have to approve the top-slicing of all the municipal grants," Sisulu said. "While we strongly support the view that those who can afford to pay must pay for the services they use, the top-slicing of grants is not the solution. "The growing levels of household consumer debt every year are a result of both non-payment of services by those who can afford to pay, and a direct result of poverty and lack of affordability.
"In the case of municipalities with the largest outstanding amounts owed, the amounts they owe are too large for them to be paid off by top-slicing a grant or grants." Sisulu said her department was in constant engagement with municipalities over their debts. It also participated in the interministerial task team on service delivery that had made a number of recommendations.
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