eThekwini cautions residents against non-payment of municipal bills

The eThekwini Municipality has cautioned residents over not paying their municipal bills. This comes after the City was made aware of a notice circulating on social media and via WhatsApp calling for residents to not pay for municipal services.

City spokesperson, Lindiwe Khuzwayo said revenue received from customers paying for services is integral to the financial viability and sustainability of eThekwini Municipality.

“When customers do not pay for these services it brings constraints on the Municipality’s ability to keep providing services. The municipality is aware that many residents are experiencing financial difficulty due to the national lockdown as a result of Covid-19 and the civil unrest experienced recently. The municipality has made provision to ease the burden on customers in arrears through its debt relief programme that was introduced in May last year and will continue until December 2021.

“Customers in arrears who want to make a payment arrangement should visit their nearest banking hall or Sizakala Centre. Customers are urged to heed the requirements for all credit arrangements. Non-payment of Municipal bills may result in disconnection and outstanding accounts will be charged incurred interest,” she said.

Khuzwayo added the City is aware of the repairs and faults backlog due to the social unrest across the City last week.

“We appeal to residents to be patient as the relevant service units try their utmost best to address the backlog.”