Apply for municipal debt relief

RESIDENTS have been advised to take advantage of the eThekwini Municipality’s recently re-instated debt relief programme.

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The programme, which ends on December 31, is aimed at residential and business customers, as well as non-profit organisations (NPO) who are finding it difficult to service their debt to the municipality. To qualify, the debt must be 90 days or older, and a 5% deposit for residential and 10% for business customers must be made. An agreement will be signed, and the accumulated interest will be written off. Customers have up to 36 months to settle all outstanding debt.

Head of the Revenue Management Unit Lihle Ndzelu said the municipality recognises the severe financial strain that some residents are facing.

“The programme was previously approved and implemented from December 2022 to February this year, and we have decided to reinstate it as customers have asked for it. As a caring city, we must do all we can to alleviate the financial burden on the municipality’s valued residents,” said Ndzelu.

She stated that once the arrangement is made, customers have to honour it.

“If a customer defaults on payment or pays less than the required instalment, all written-off interest will be reinstated,” she said.

She added that NPOs, including old age homes and homes for people with disabilities, mental hospitals and early childhood development centres, will be granted a further 50% capital debt write-off once they enter into a payment arrangement.

“This benefit is conditional on these organisations not falling into arrears within 12 months after settling their debts,” said Ndzelu.

Customers may approach their nearest Sizakala Centre for more information and are encouraged to provide all supporting documentation when applying for the programme.

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