By 
The Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) says it has taken note of the latest report on the expenditure of the Provincial Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) by municipalities across the province.
The report shows that eight municipalities reached their target spending of 50%. According to the department, the MIG is meant for the provision of basic services, eradicating municipal infrastructure backlogs in poor communities and ensuring the provision of basic services such as water and sanitation.
According to the Spokesperson of CoGTA Ms Zimasa Mbewu, the estimated total budget for the financial year 2024/25 is estimated at R870 million, with each municipality expected to reach the target of spending 50% of its allocated MIG by January 2025.
The report shows that municipalities that are on target in spending 50% of their MIG are: Mohokare (54%), Tswelopele (62%), Matjhabeng (65%), Nala (71%), Dihlabeng (61%), Maluti-A Phofung (50%), Mantsopa (66%) and Moqhaka (65%).
Six municipalities reached a percentage between 40 and 50 percent, displaying a low risk, they are: Kopanong (44%), Masilonyana (48%), Tokologo (40%), Nketoana (49%), Phumelela (49%) and Metsimaholo at 40 percent.
Four municipalities reached a percentage lower than 40 percent, signifying a high risk and poor performance. They are: Letsemeng (33%), Setsoto (32%), Ngwathe (28%) and Mafube (16%).
In terms of temporary MIG jobs created only 1692 jobs were created from the planned 2500 jobs by the end of January 2025, this accounts for 68% of jobs opportunities created by various municipalities.
Mbewu says CoGTA, through its Provincial MIG Management Unit, will support struggling municipalities and be responsible for continuous project monitoring. The Department will also assist municipalities in reviewing their implementation plans.
“The National Treasury has re-gazetted the MIG allocations of Masilonyana, Kopanong, Mohokare and Mafube Local Municipalities to the respective district municipalities. This decision was taken to secure MIG funds for service delivery in these municipalities and to prevent them from utilising MIG funds for operational purposes rather to promote and expedite performance.
The MEC for CoGTA Mr. Saki Mokoena continuously engages with municipal mayors and all other relevant role-players at the level of MECLOGA. This is a provincial inter-governmental relations forum dedicated to addressing local government matters. One of the resolutions taken in the last sitting of this forum was that municipal councils should exercise oversight and closely monitor the MIG implementation plans in-order to track progress,” she said.
“The implications of non-expenditure by some municipalities has dire consequences in the provision of decent and adequate services, such as water and electricity to communities across the province. The un-spent funds will go back to the National fiscus, resulting in a decline in the quality of services,” concluded Zimasa Mbewu.
