Affordable services mean different things to different people.
To the metro it obviously means these are our costs, zap the ratepayer – he can’t change the supplier!
To me it does not mean increases of one per cent to two per cent above inflation – for uninspiring service – every year!
It was only a few years ago that the metro announced a major drive to improve credit control and reduce its ever-increasing debt, particularly various government departments’ debt.
What happened? Oh yes, large write-offs of supposedly non-collectable debts.
Many businesses can relate to government laxity in paying suppliers. Last year the non-payment by the Gauteng Health Department to many suppliers resulted in a chaotic situation in many hospitals.
Obviously nothing has improved.
The metro’s outstanding debt has now ballooned to R12-billion. It’s mind-boggling that no action has been taken many months ago. Are there words stronger than gross incompetence?
The long-winded phrase, “the implementation of the revised revenue protection and enhancement project” is meaningless. Issue the sheriff with orders to attach property of wayward debtors.
Immediately begin with government departments. Quit pandering to your bosom buddies. We’re not here to fund free rides.
Paying us will only result in a few less parties!
If the metro’s new plan doesn’t work please do us the great service and the whole bunch of you resign!
