Deputy Speaker, the financial mismanagement of the ANC- led Gariep Municipality is disrupting service delivery to the residents of Gariep.
On Friday, 26 October, a warrant of execution from Tractional Enterprises against the Gariep Municipality was ordered to the amount of R2,3 million. Attachments from the office of the Sheriff of the Court commenced on Tuesday, 30 October. This included service-delivery vehicles, office furniture, computers, copiers and more.
The municipal buildings are empty, with staff standing around unable to do any work. Due to the lack of action by the Eastern Cape MEC for Local Government in investigating the financial woes of the Gariep Municipality, the DA has now requested the national Minister, Richard Baloyi, to personally intervene.
Apparently the provincial government assisted yesterday in making the payment to Tractional Enterprises. However, this will be a short-term solution, as other creditors will soon be knocking at Gariep Municipality's door, including Eskom for the payment of R6,5 million, Pay As You Earn deductions of R2 million, pension and retirement deductions of R4,1 million, trade creditors for R7,6 million, and the Auditor-General for R2,2 million.
Residents of the towns of Burgersdorp, Venterstad and Steynsburg are sick and tired of the poor financial situation of the Gariep Municipality. When will the ANC government take responsibility and hold those in charge accountable? [Time expired.] [Applause.]