SECUNDA – According to the DA, by law municipalities are empowered to collect revenue for services they give to residents in order for them to be able to deliver those services.
“Govan Mbeki Municipality is no exception,” said Mr Thembha Lawrence Mlotshwa, DA councillor.
“When individuals owe the municipality, it is their responsibility to make arrangements to pay off their debts to the municipality or face legal action.”
The municipal council apparently recently approved a resolution A40/08/2014.
According to the terms of this resolution, people who owe the municipality money will get 50 per cent of their debt written off if they pay their outstanding accounts within six months.
This arrangement excludes businesses.
“Let me point out that this is a good initiative on the part of the municipality, as it will at least get half the money back that is owed to it.
“However, my problem is that the scheme does not cater for people whose account is in good standing.
“Surely, they should also get 50 per cent reduction on their monthly accounts as an incentive for keeping theirs up to date?
“These are the people who are ensuring that the municipal services are being given continuously.
“They must also be rewarded.”
Mr Mlotshwa reckons with the scheme as it is currently, it means that the one who defaults paying for services gets a recognition of 50 per cent bill reduction.
“Will that not encourage more people not paying knowing an amnesty will be given to them in due time and they can have full service at half the price?
“If Govan Mbeki Municipality can devise such a plan for bad debts, they can do the same for people who are up to date with their accounts.”
The municipality has not yet commented.
