Local govt is failing - experts

INFRASTRUCTURE: NEW STUDY SHOWS WHY

- Ramos Emmanuel Mabugu and Eddie Rakabe

Councils aren't fixing roads, supplying water, or keeping the lights on.

South Africa has a massive infrastructure problem. Roads, electricity supply, and water management are just three areas in which there is mounting evidence of collapse and decay. This is true for big cities like Johannesburg, as well as small towns and rural areas.

This is a problem because infrastructure like this has huge economic benefits.

Having water and electricity enables firms to run smoothly.

A study by SA's Financial and Fiscal Commission in 2018 showed infrastructure spending had a statistically significant positive impact on local employment and economic growth.

Responsibility for maintaining these essential services lies with the country's 257 municipalities.

Funding comes from two pots: central government allocation; and revenue raised locally through the delivery of services.

The government has increased its financial transfers to municipalities for infrastructure investment by more than 3.5 times in local currency over the past 14 years. In that period municipalities have received almost R600 billion.