MPs say Matjhabeng must account for almost R9bn in water board debt

By Levy Masiteng 

The Portfolio Committee on Water and Sanitation will summon the Free State’s Matjhabeng Local Municipality to Parliament to account for its ballooning debt of just under R9 billion owed to the Vaal Central Water Board.

The decision was taken during a meeting with the Department of Water and Sanitation, Magalies Water and Vaal Central Water Board to review their 2024/25 annual performance.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the committee said Matjhabeng had assured MPs during an oversight visit in January that it would cooperate on a payment plan, but there was still no evidence it was willing or able to honour that undertaking.

“This is unacceptable and represents the worst recalcitrant behaviour that not only affects the viability of the water board but the livelihoods and possible economic growth within the municipality,” said committee chairperson Leon Basson.

The committee said it now wants Matjhabeng’s political and