City of Johannesburg threatens power and water cuts for defaulters

The City of Johannesburg is cracking down on high defaulters this festive season. Aiming to recover a substantial R52 billion in municipal debt.

In a stern warning, the city authorities are prepared to cut off electricity and water services for those who persistently refuse to settle their rates and services debts.

ALSO READ: City of Johannesburg considers removing its electricity grid from hostile communities

“Revenue collection is the backbone of the City to enable sustained service delivery to better the lives of more than 6 million residents who depend daily on the availability of municipal services in Johannesburg,” emphasizes Kgamanyane Maphologela, the Director for Customer Communications at the City of Johannesburg.

ALSO READ: Eskom debt: Government to write off billions of municipalities’ bills

HIGH DEFAULTERS PLACED ON THE CITY OF JOHANNESBURG RED LIST

Properties that fall into the high defaulters category are placed on the City’s red list. There face the threat of service termination due to their chronic nonpayment. This dire consequence comes with significant additional costs for the customers.

ALSO READ: PICS: City of Johannesburg swimming pools SPARKLE on first day of Spring

In the event of service disconnection, owners must initiate a reconnection request. Which requires payment of the full outstanding balance or a 50% deposit of the amount owed to enter into a payment agreement.

The city’s most severe measure, level three cut off, involves the removal of the City’s meter from the property. Necessitating payment not only of the debt but also for the installation of a new meter.

ALSO READ: City of Johannesburg cracks down on water and electricity thief, disconnects Leeuwkop prison

The City’s message is clear: “The City cautions its customers to pay their municipal accounts all the time when it is due to avoid termination of services and additional charges associated with it,” warns Kgamanyane.

Ultimately, the revenue collected by the City is vital for maintaining and delivering essential services to its 900 000 properties, including water, electricity, refuse removal, and sewage systems. Failure to settle debts puts this infrastructure and service provision at risk.

ALSO READ: City of Johannesburg’s new mayor appoints his Mayoral Committee

PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Customers seeking payment arrangements can contact the City’s Credit Control Department via email at creditcontrol@joburg.org.za. They could also visit customer walk-in centers to ensure their accounts are settled promptly.

Paying municipal bills on time is not just a requirement but a responsibility to maintain the services that millions of residents rely on during the festive season and beyond.