City of Tshwane takes action against debt of residents and businesses
Tshwane issues 14 000 notices to recover debts from residents, businesses, and government entities, aiming to address overdue accounts.
In a proactive move to recover outstanding debts, the City of Tshwane has issued 14 000 Section 129 notices to residents, businesses, government entities, and embassies with overdue accounts.
This marks the initiation of the debt-collection process, aiming to secure payments and assets, including property, from defaulting payers.
TSHWANE’S SECTION 129 NOTICES SIGNAL RENEWED REVENUE COLLECTION DRIVE
The Section 129 notices serve as formal demands, aligning with the relaunched Tshwane Ya Tima revenue collection campaign. This campaign focuses on disconnecting services for those accumulating high utility bills and failing to settle their dues.
Cllr Jacqui Uys, MMC for Finance, emphasised the gravity of electricity and water theft. “Electricity and water theft is a crime, and illegal connections are a criminal offence. It is not a faceless crime, by illegally connecting, you are robbing the City of its revenue and fellow residents of services,” said Uys.
Moreover, the Tshwane Ya Tima programme has been reinforced with additional teams to enhance daily disconnections. Additionally, Cllr Jacqui Uys reported a noticeable impact on daily cash collections, with the city poised to achieve significant milestones in meeting its financial rescue plan targets.
Despite calls from residents to target specific areas with high default rates, Cllr Uys clarified that the debtors’ book spans various communities and comprises accounts from businesses, government entities, and residential areas across Tshwane.
TOP OWING WARDS
The top owing wards in Tshwane include Ward 42, with an outstanding balance of R756.7 million and a payment rate of 53.68%, followed by Ward 101, owing R726.5 million with a payment rate of 40.23%. Notably, Ward 69 boasts the highest payment rate at 69.73%.
Instances of illegal connections persist, with recent discoveries of tampered meters resulting in significant debts owed to the city. Businesses found to have tampered with meters face substantial penalties, and continuous monitoring is implemented to deter further illegal reconnections.
Furthermore, the city is taking legal action against property owners involved in illegal connections, with plans to open criminal cases and conduct internal audits to address potential employee complicity.
RESIDENTS URGED TO FIGHT CORRUPTION
Residents are urged to provide information to combat corruption and uphold accountability. Also, fines for illegal connections and electricity theft are substantial, underscoring the seriousness of the offences.
Executive mayor Cllr Cilliers Brink stressed the importance of prompt payment for services rendered to sustain essential infrastructure and honour financial commitments to utility providers.
Additionally, the City of Tshwane remains steadfast in its efforts to ensure fiscal responsibility and equitable service delivery, calling upon all stakeholders to contribute to the collective prosperity of the community.