Escalating water account arrears are a grave concern
"We have been promised on various occasions that water account arrears will be written off, however this is dragging on for a long time...
Mounting arrears on water accounts have been a grave concern for many locals. Despite a decision taken by Uthukela District Municipality in March 2014 to write off all historical debt, there are still many residents whose arrears are escalating.
The district municipality announced two years ago that the first instalment of R70 million was budgeted for to begin the arrears write-offs. Some residents did see the changes reflected in the water accounts but were confused about why the entire arrear amount has not been written-off.
Riddled with questions and confusion, some residents have attempted questioning local councillors as well as Uthukela District Municipality Speaker, Estcourt resident Tim Jeebodh. As one resident describes, there is ‘still no response’.
“We have been promised on various occasions that water account arrears will be written off, however this is dragging on for a long time and I believe that it is time that closure should be achieved,” said the resident. Questions about the money residents deposited into a bank account when the Water Crisis Committee was in operation have also surfaced.
“Is the money still there? Can we withdraw this money and pay towards our arrears?” asked a concerned pensioner.
Uthukela District Municipality Speaker Tim Jeebodh said on Tuesday morning that a district council meeting would take place on Thursday, June 30 where the ‘nuts and bolts’ of the water account arrears would be discussed.
He assured that more information will be available to readers after this meeting.
“We took a resolution last month that all prescribed debt three years or older would be written off. This will happen over a period of years and the reflection on the statements would take some time too,” explained Mr Jeebodh.
He added that thus far R253 million had been written off throughout the district, which comprises of five municipalities.
Speaking about the bank account set up by the Water Crisis Committee, Mr Jeebodh said that the account is still operational and the money is still there.
“When this issue is completely resolved, there will be a public meeting to request permission to pay Uthukela the money in the account, this money won’t be paid to individuals,” he said.
