#21daylockdownSA: Residents won’t receive ‘payment holiday’, says eThekwini Municipality

ETHEKWINI Municipality has condemned the circulation of fake news on various social media platforms that it is allowing residents and businesses a payment holiday during the national 21 days shutdown.

Municipal spokesman, Msawakhe Mayisela, said eThekwini will not be giving any relief on municipal charges.

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“Residential and business utility accounts will be charged as normal, however, the Municipality will not disconnect customers during the lockdown as stated by the Mayor last Thursday, 26 March. During this time there will also be no interest incurred on arrear accounts,” he said.

Mayisela said the Municipality will also extend the period for the submission of rates rebate applications to 31 May, and this could be further extended depending on the state of the country.

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“The National Prosecuting Authority will also be requested to consider an amnesty or discount on traffic fines as there will be several roadblocks and we do not want residents to be inconvenienced,” he said.

During the period from 26 March to 16 April, the municipality will abide by the lockdown protocols set out by the President and as such has closed all banking halls and Sizakala Centres.

All customers are urged to pay utility bills using any of the following methods:

– Payments at the third party outlets can still be made at Shoprite, Checkers, and Pick ‘n Pay.

– Customers are advised to make use of the online direct payment facility. The City banks with Nedbank and is a pre-loaded beneficiary.

– All direct debit payment runs will be conducted on 1 April, 7 April and 15 April.

Mayisela said during the lockdown no new revenue clearance applications will be processed from conveyancers.

“Customers should note that the postage of bills through the Post Office will be impacted during this period and customers who do not receive their bill are encouraged to pay the average of their bills. Registration for online billing will enable the customers to receive bills through emails and view them online,” he said.

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Registration is encouraged through the portal https://eservices.durban.gov.za/v2/

Any queries should be logged on the correspondence portal https://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/

This will include requests for copies of bills.

“We hope that these measures help alleviate the concerns around the payment of customer municipal bills and provides the necessary clarity. The municipality is thankful to residents for their understanding and ongoing commitment towards the payments,” concluded Mayisela.

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