The Grootfontein Municipality’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, Indileni Lungameni, says the Council has managed to stabilise its finances this year and will commence with key projects early next year.
The Grootfontein Municipality has been struggling financially, which affected the provision of basic services to the residents.
This was a result of outstanding debts, which prompted the council to rope in Redforce Debt Management to ensure that clients pay their bills.
“The ever-increasing debt has been halted; it’s gradually decreasing, so in 2025 we expect the debts to go down further significantly. We are looking at rolling out the water prepaid meter system to all our more than 5,000 accounts.”
Lungameni said the payment of debts will enable the council to function properly.
However, this year’s planned projects, like the demolition of the Grootfontein single quarters, never materialised.
“It was supposed to be done, but due to logistics challenges and finances, we were not able to implement the relocation process; however, we are on track with the relocation process, and the list of the beneficiaries has been approved at the special council meeting in December, one of our last meetings before council went for recess.”
The council has secured funds for the construction of the fire station, which will now commence early next year.
The increase of livestock in town remains a concern, and the council will impound livestock found strolling in town.