PARYS – Schools and public facilities in Ngwathe are facing electricity disconnections due to delayed payments from government departments, leaving vulnerable residents and learners without essential services.

The problem stems from a payment system where government departments transfer funds directly to institutions such as schools and healthcare facilities, which must then settle their municipal accounts. When departmental payments arrive late or not at all, these institutions cannot pay their electricity bills, resulting in disconnections.

Cllr. Carina Serfontein , DA Mayoral Candidate Ngwathe Local Municipality, says the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ngwathe has raised concerns about the impact on communities already dealing with failing infrastructure and financial pressure.

“No patient, learner, resident or community should suffer because departments responsible for public services fail to manage and transfer funds responsibly and on time,” the party stated.

The DA questioned the fairness of expecting pensioners, households and businesses to pay municipal accounts whilst state departments contribute to non-payment and financial instability within municipalities.

Facilities accommodating patients, learners and other vulnerable groups are being exposed to service interruptions due to the administrative failures.

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The DA said it would request the municipal manager to verify all affected government-linked accounts and demand full disclosure regarding outstanding amounts, billing disputes and payment arrangements.

The party said it would continue monitoring the situation to ensure vulnerable residents and critical institutions are protected.

Communities in the municipality are facing interrupted access to essential services at public facilities due to the delayed interdepartmental payments.