The Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) warned during a recent meeting of the Tshwane Metro Council that the Department of Human Settlements’ report on grant expenditure for the 2024/25 financial year may constitute a violation of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).
The report indicates that several projects have suffered severe setbacks due to a combination of poor contractor performance, late payments by the Metro, abandoned sites and a lack of capacity within the Department.
Together, these factors triggered a chain reaction that has slowed project progress and directly undermined the quality of service delivery.
These problems have a direct negative impact on service delivery in Tshwane’s most vulnerable communities.
In terms of the MFMA, all contractual obligations must be met within 30 days. The report confirms that the Metro’s late payments caused contractors to halt work or abandon sites.
This is a clear violation of the law, which exposes the Metro to financial and legal risks.
Furthermore, the ongoing delays in procurement, design approvals and contract management point to a lack of transparency and effective risk management – also required by the MFMA.
The Freedom Front Plus wishes to emphasise that full expenditure does not necessarily equate to service delivery. Funds spent should translate to tangible improvements – not half-finished infrastructure and abandoned projects.
The Freedom Front Plus calls on the Metro to:
- conduct a comprehensive MFMA compliance audit on all human settlements projects;
- strictly adhere to payment deadlines and hold officials who violate the law accountable;
- increase the Department’s capacity by appointing competent project managers; and
- provide quarterly reports to Council on all projects, detailing risks, delays and corrective measures.
The Freedom Front Plus remains committed to transparent, lawful and accountable governance.
The party expects the Tshwane administration to maintain the highest standards so that grant expenditure truly translates to better living conditions for residents.
Freedom Front Plus Community Safety: The FF Plus emphasizes the importance of community safety initiatives.
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