POLOKWANE – At the end of November, the debt was R988,6 million, reflecting a decrease from October’s R989,1 million. Of the total amount owed at the end of December, household debt comprised R855 million, commercial debt R105 million and organs of state R62 million. Debtors’ collection rate was at 89%.
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The municipality’s total capital expenditure, according to a report before council recently, stood at 29% for the first six months of the financial year. Revenue from property rates reflected an 11% average collection behind planned projections.
Electrical revenue, in November last year quantified as to be 9% behind the planned projections, is attributed to customers using alternative energy sources and abnormal distribution losses (16% at the end of December).
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Reports supplied as to the number of pre-paid meters do not correspond, as it is reported that a total of 9 251 electricity smart meters had been installed by the end of November, and in the mid-year report, for the period ending on 31 December, it is reported that, by the end of December, some 6 625 smart electricity meters have been installed by the municipality with the intention of reducing electricity losses.
Pre-paid sales of electricity translate to 43,7% of total electricity sales and this contributed more than R35 million to municipal revenue.
Revenue from water versus billing was 12% above planned projections, and according to the municipality the installation of smart meters contributed to the increase in water billing.
Pre-paid water will increasingly enhance revenue collection for water.
More than 134 km asbestos pipes have been replaced in the city and Seshego so far, leading to fewer pipe bursts and water spillage or leaking.
It was reported that by the end of November, some 29 521 smart water meters had been installed and all post-paid meters previously installed are to be converted to pre-paid mode.
