A LOCAL DA PR councillor has called on the eThekwini Municipality to urgently resolve billing disputes to ensure debt collection is maximised and residents are encouraged to settle their debt.

According to the councillor, Mxolisi Khubisa, there has been widespread outcry from residents “who are experiencing financial difficulties” which “prevent them from utilising” the municipality’s 50% write-off initiative.

This, said Khubisa, is “due to unresolved disputes” arising from “excessive billing”.

“While the 50% write-off is a commendable initiative to alleviate financial burdens on residents and businesses, there are still residents who are unwilling to pay for this reduction. This reluctance is not solely a matter of unwillingness to take advantage of the offer, but rather a complaint about the unjust system of estimate billing that was imposed upon them. This system has left them with a significant debt that is difficult to begin to repay,” said Khubisa.

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The councillor said the write-off initiative is an effective strategy to ensure “healthy” financial statements and it alleviates “the financial burden on residents and businesses”.

“Despite its practical application, this initiative is not the first to be implemented but rather an extension. The past results from this initiative indicate that the municipality’s budgeted 50% debt write-off was not nearly achieved. The actual collection was only R1b. As of January 31, 2025, the city’s total debt stood at R36 482 003 329.

“The current debt as for now the month ending September 30, 2025 is  sitting at R41 854 306 029. With the extension of debt write off the projected collection amount is still uncertain. This is indicative enough that the municipality, while progressing slow with debt collection, does need assistance and there is definitely a challenge that causes its customers to be reluctant to pay,” said Khubisa.

The councillor added that his party fully backs the 50% write-off initiative and is calling on the municipality to “prioritise resolving customer issues, disputes and incorrect billings”.

“This will maximise the collection rate and ultimately ensure a financially healthy and functional municipality, which delivers services.”

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