Municipalities across South Africa are grappling with the challenge of residents refusing to pay their utility bills, leading to mounting debts and a significant impact on service delivery.
However, non-paying residents in Ladysmith, Estcourt, Winterton, Weenen, and Bergville are now facing the consequences of their actions. This comes as the uThukela District Municipality has made it clear that these actions will no longer be tolerated.
Under the direction of Municipal Manager, Langelihle Jili, the uThukela District Municipality has taken firm action by disconnecting water supply connections for various users across the district. The Municipality’s Communications Unit reported that collectively, these users owe over R84 million in municipal services.
Moreover, it was highlighted that this campaign, which was launched on Thursday, 7 November 2024, is part of the uThukela District Municipality’s proactive credit control measures. “With the municipality facing a mounting and unsustainable debt, this campaign aims to address the issue head-on. Through this exercise, the municipality is targeting major residential estates, investment firms, hospitals, car dealerships, schools, and government departments, among others, who contribute to the municipality’s endless list of defaulters,” explained the District Municipality’s Communications Unit.
The operation, named Operation Vala Vula, is designed to send a strong message to those who continuously neglect their financial responsibilities. Municipal Manager Langelihle Jili explained that the Municipality is determined to take a tough stance against defaulters.
He further acknowledged the challenges they faced in some areas, where access to properties was blocked, but reassured that the Municipality would not back down in its efforts.
“This exercise is part of our strategy to enhance our revenue collection in all areas including sector departments. We have started with those who owe us large amounts of money and we succeeded in doing disconnections. Although we encountered some problems in some areas where we were denied access to the property because we have our meters in those properties but we will resolve these. We are hoping that we will be able to collect what is due to the municipality,” Jili said.
The uThukela District Municipality’s Communications Unit confirmed that teams were deployed to Ladysmith, Estcourt, Winterton, Weenen, and Bergville to carry out the disconnections. Jili expressed his appreciation for the work of these teams in the field, acknowledging their dedication and efforts.
Furthermore, Jili stressed that no one would be reconnected without either a payment arrangement or full payment being made. “No one will be reconnected without either payment arrangement or having paid the municipality in full,” he emphasised.
For any queries or technical questions, the Municipality has directed residents to its Revenue Manager, Sphamandla Dlamini. The WhatsApp number 060 527 1551 is available for immediate responses, or residents can email SDlamini@uthukela.gov.za for further assistance.
In addition, the uThukela District Municipality issued a public notice on Friday, 1 November 2024, reminding residents of their responsibility to ensure they pay for water services. The notice highlighted the importance of paying for services, which enables the Municipality to continue providing quality water and improving infrastructure where possible.
“It is not our intention to cut off services; however, it becomes inevitable if customers are not willing to pay for the services. As the municipality, we will leave no stone unturned to recover what it owed to us,” the notice read, which was signed by Municipal Manager, Langelihle Jili.
As the uThukela District Municipality begins its disconnections in Ladysmith, Estcourt, Winterton, Weenen, and Bergville, it raises the question: should such an approach be implemented places like Newcastle, Dundee and Vryheid as well?
What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you think this strategy would be effective in your area? Share your views in the comment section below.
Comments 3
The process of discontinuation of services should start for all in all areas and not only those that are paying and subsidizing the nin payers I.e townships and rural areas included.
They should have done it l9ng time ago. They must do it with electricity as well. Sorry but if one has to pay, all has to pay.
Timethis is done all over the country