ERMELO  – In a move to assist residents and organisations burdened by outstanding municipal debts, the Msukaligwa Local Municipality has launched a Debt Rehabilitation Programme aimed at providing much-needed relief.

Approved by the municipal council, the programme is open to qualifying municipal account holders who have fallen behind on payments for rates, refuse removal, water, sewer, and electricity services.

Up to 50% debt write-off for residents

Residential account holders can qualify for a 50% write-off on their outstanding debt, with the remaining 50% payable during the amnesty period.

For businesses, churches, and non-profit organizations (NPOs), a 30% write-off is offered, with the balance (70%) also payable over the same period.

To ease the repayment process, participants may opt for structured payment arrangements over an eight-month amnesty window from August 1 2025 to 31 March 2026.

Strict eligibility criteria

To qualify:

• Account arrears must be more than 90 days old as of June 30 2025.

• Applicants who previously benefited from other amnesty or debt relief programmes will not be eligible.

The municipality warns that failure to comply with payment agreements during the amnesty period will result in the full outstanding debt becoming immediately payable.

Encouragement to apply

Residents and businesses are encouraged to seize this opportunity to settle long-standing municipal debts under more favourable conditions.

For more information, residents may contact Vivian Ngwenya at 017 801 3552 / 3553 / 3554 / 3561 or call the Contact Centre on 080 001 4903.