Manzolwandle Hadebe
Umtshezi Municipality Mayor Councillor Bongani Dlamini says the community owes the municipality close to R75 million for rates and due to illegal electricity connections.
He has since appealed to the community to make arrangements with the municipality to pay their debts and avoid being cut off from essential services. At two meetings, the Mayor clarified the municipality’s status.
While the community members complained about electricity disconnections, long grass and water interruptions, the Mayor advised the community that they have utilised services for ten years, without paying for electricity.
This was echoed by community members who spoke about some of the unoccupied houses in Wembezi where lights are seen on throughout the night. These are illegal connections.
Mr Dlamini said that some people who are aiding illegal connections are allegedly staff of Umtshezi Municipality and they are closing in on the suspects. He encouraged people to settle their debt as they will be prohibited from purchasing prepaid electricity.
The Mayor said that in 2012 all the debt on rates and taxes were cleared. People who earn less than R3 500 a month were informed about the indigent policy. Application forms are available from the municipality and must be signed by the Ward Councillor.
Mr Dlamini also spoke about electricity-saving methods and political leaders using community members. He warned against barricading roads and illegal land grabs. The launch of a two-room housing project was also promised.
