SECUNDA- The Govan Mbeki Municipality released a statement that the municipality has resumed its credit control enforcement by blocking the prepaid electricity meter system on overdue accounts and those who have not made payment arrangements.
The municipality said that replacing old prepaid meters with smart meters is mandatory for the municipality in terms of both municipal council resolution and the legal debt relief requirements by the National Treasury.
GMM said this forms part of the debt relief programme condition to allow the municipality to have its Eskom debt written off, as the municipality owes Eskom more than R4b.
GMM said several assistance programmes are available for those who cannot pay their municipal debts, including payment arrangements.
The municipality urges all account holders who qualify as indigent residents to apply for the indigent subsidy to receive assistance.
The municipality further extends its appreciation to customers who continue to pay their accounts every month, ensuring that services continue without disruption.
GMM said the collecting of due payments is crucial for the municipality to continue enhancing service delivery to members of the community because the municipality relies on revenue from ratepayers to build, maintain, and expand infrastructure and provide essential services.
Prepaid meter blocking aligns with the Municipal Systems Act's requirements for credit control on overdue accounts.
GMM urges all its customers to pay their outstanding balances or make arrangements to settle their debts and said if the electricity prepaid meter has been blocked because of debt owed to the municipality, community members can visit the nearest municipal office during office hours to make payments or make the necessary arrangements.
eMzinoni residents protested about their blocked electricity meters recently until the mayor went to address them.
Even eMbalenhle residents have started complaining about their blocked electricity meters because they owe the municipality.
