Municipal debt relief initiative to end soon
eThekwini's debt relief programme runs until the end of July.
WARD 97 councillor and member of the eThekwini Municipality executive committee, André Beetge, has reminded ratepayers in financial distress that the relaxed debt relief initiative will end on July 31.
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The debt relief initiative started on April 1. Ratepayers can enter into an acknowledgement-of-debt agreement with the municipality, during which a 5% deposit is paid and a term payment of outstanding debt is negotiated parallel to monthly consumption.
Beetge said the relief was brought about as a measure to reduce the City’s R23.6 billion household debt that could include, but is not limited to, backdated water charges for three years, where the municipality in error supplied 6 kilolitres of water for free to households valued over R250 000.
“We would recommend that those who have not yet followed up, or taken the opportunity, do so without further delay by visiting the local Sizakala Centre timely,” he said.
According to the relief measures, ratepayers who are 90 days and over in arrears can sign an agreement with a minimum 5% deposit for residential and 10% for business customers. Any accumulated interest will be written off once payment arrangements have been entered into. The maximum period to settle the arrears will be 36 months with no interest being charged.
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