Joburg water crisis: Morero again shrugs off claims of financial misconduct, poor governance

Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero has again shrugged off claims of financial misconduct and poor governance amid heightened calls for accountability for the city's water crisis.

Morero's administration is again under scrutiny following the latest reports that R4 billion had been removed from Johannesburg Water's account.

ALSO READ: Morero denies claims of missing billions from Joburg Water coffers

He said no funds have been lost, adding that the city operates under a transparent and compliant financial system.

Morero said the money is not missing, but said the reallocation of the funds is a result of a global treasury practice known as “sweeping” that automatically transfers balances from municipal entities’ accounts into the city’s primary account.

He said the purpose of the sweeping is not to remove or hide money but to efficiently manage the city’s liquidity, optimising cash flow and reducing transaction fees.

Morero believes claims that money lost undermines public confidence and diverts attention from the real work of delivering basic services to our communities.

The city is currently under pressure to resolve a failure to provide water to some communities, including areas in the west of Johannesburg, where violent protests broke out over dry taps.