Elisha Molefe

Elisha Molefe

A number of municipalities in North West cannot account for more than R15million, according to the auditor-general.

A report by the auditor-general has been confirmed by local government and housing MEC, Howard Yawa. In the report, deputy auditor-general Kimi Makwetu says questions need to be asked as to what happened to the money.

This follows the discovery of a number of departments within the province that could not account for the manner in which money was spent.

The auditor-general has travelled throughout the province checking the books of provincial government departments.

The auditor-general's report says that while there is general improvement in the compilation of financial statements in most departments in the province, control over finances must still be tightened.

"This situation is not acceptable because incompetence at provincial level means municipalities cannot deliver services," said DA spokesman in North West Chris Hattingh.

Hattingh attributed the lack of service delivery and the subsequent unrest in the province to the financial situation the municipalities now face.