Recently an Estcourt resident reported with panic that a family member had been contacted by Uthukela District Municipality with a threat of legal action for non-payment of a water account.
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The resident, who resides in Forderville, claimed that her son who is living in Johannesburg received a telephone call on behalf of the district municipality, warning him that if an amount of about R70 000 was not paid; legal action will be taken against the family.
This call unnerved the resident who said that it was common knowledge that most Estcourt residents have not been paying for water and water-related services for years. She wondered why she was being targeted.
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In response to these concerns, Uthukela District Municipality’s Communications Manager Jabulani Mkhonza confirmed that the district council has appointed the services of debt collectors to assist with debt collection and certain accounts have since been handed over.
However, he warned locals to be vigilant of con artists.
“The community is urged to take precautionary measures of imposters that might take chances as no payment will be collected by any individual on behalf of the municipality. Customers with account queries are therefore encouraged to come to our offices for incentives and payment arrangements,” said Mr Mkhonza.
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