Question NW668 to the Minister of Public Works
04 May 2018 - NW668
Wilson, Ms ER to ask the Minister of Public Works
(a) Why does his department’s outstanding account with the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality amounting to R18,8 million remain unpaid, (b) what is the reason for the arrears, (c) by what date will this account be settled in full and (d) what is the (i) amount owed by his department to each municipality in Limpopo and (ii) total amount of days in arrears of each amount owed?
Reply:
a) At the time of responding, the Department of Public Works had received invoices amounting to R9 083 283.90, which have been paid. We went further to meet with the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality on 20 March 2018 to reconcile the debt, upon which we found there is still an outstanding amount of R13 203 678.45, of which R7 748 925.96 was paid on 22 March 2018 and the balance of R5 454 752.49 belongs to properties, which are not under the custodianship of the National Department of Public Works.
b) The Department of Public Works pays invoices as and when they are received. However, there are times when a reconciliation needs to be done in order to verify the debt, resulting in some delays in payment.
c) All verified invoices were paid on 22 March 2018.
d) The Department of Public Works’ Polokwane Regional Office has 27 municipalities under it.
(i) We have only received the invoice for an outstanding amount of R13 203 678.45 from one municipality, namely the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality. There are continuous engagements with municipalities to provide the Department of Public Works with their invoices on a timeous basis and all verified invoices shall be paid.
(ii) Falls away
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