Chairperson, on behalf of the DA I move without notice:
That the Council -
1) notes that municipalities in all provinces have arrears on rates, taxes and service charges by taxpayers of R62 billion as at 30 June 2011;
2) further notes that Johannesburg Metro was owed R12 billion, which is 41% of its operating budget of R9,2 billion, and Cape Town Metro was owed R5,8 billion;
3) also notes that other metros such as Ekurhuleni and Tshwane also have these huge amounts in arrears owed by taxpayers, namely R9 billion and R3,8 billion, respectively; 4) acknowledges that our municipalities are in a financial crisis and urges the councils as well as Ministers responsible for Co-operative Governance in all provinces to take steps and measures to address the problem; and
5) debates the financial crisis in municipalities as soon as possible.
Motion agreed to in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.